New Loring Interim Principal Promises Smooth Transition

If there's one message Steve Silvestri wants to make clear to the Loring Elementary School community, it's that he understands what's in the school's best interest.

The new interim principal doesn't officially start his post at Loring until Aug. 13, but he plans to make himself available at Loring in July.

"I'm excited about this," he said.

He retired four years ago as a fulltime principal and now focuses primarily on being a bridge for schools until they find a permanent replacement.

"I just fill in from year to year," he said. "This is now my fourth position, and in many ways it's much like being a permanent principal. You have to think in both the long term and short term to bridge the gap."

Silvestri said he chose to help Loring because it's part of an impressive school system.

"I had another offer," he said. "Sudbury has a great school system and community. Loring is full of rich traditions and values and they (have implemented) great improvement plans and core value systems. It was very appealing."

In order for his short stay to be successful, Silvestri says developing strong, personal relationships with everyone involved with Loring is key. He plans on being a visible presence by walking through classrooms, meeting with staff and parents, and holding principal coffee meetings.

"My belief is success comes from those relationships," he said. "You need to build trust from students, parents, staff and the community. You can't do anything without that."

Silvestri wants to assure parents he plans on continuing to build on what the school already has established. The school's culture, customs and traditions will remain unchanged during his tenure.

"I believe giving strong, instructional leadership and effective management is also important," he said. "The school's improvement plan will be maintained. It can’t fall behind because rest of world marches on."

Silvestri was honored by Massachusetts Elementary School Principals Association as Massachusetts Elementary Principal of the Year in 1997 and by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as National Distinguished Principal (State of Massachusetts) that same year. He holds a Master of Science in Educational Management from Lesley College, a Master of Science in Education from Wheelock College, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern University.  

"We consider ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Steven Silvestri and we look forward to a successful and productive year for the entire Loring School community," Sudbury Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anne Wilson said in a recent release.

Silvestri replaces Jeffrey Dees, Dees did not comment on his new position.

"Mr. Dees, Mr. Wiltshire and I will work with Mr. Silvestri on a transition plan that will include an opportunity to visit the school on June 11, 2012," Wilson said in the release. "During his visit, Mr. Silvestri will have an opportunity to meet with Mr. Dees, Mr. Wiltshire, students, teachers, staff and parents. We will send a schedule of events for June 11 in the next few days."

Silvestri currently serves as interim principal at the Devotion School in Brookline, a position he has held since July 2011. His final day is June 30.

He said he's focused on proving to Loring parents he'll do what's best for their children and the community. He's inviting everyone to meet him so he can explain his transition plan.

"I want to hear their feelings on the school," he said. "I will convince them I’ll do what’s best for the school this year. I’ve been successful in doing this before."