Superintendent Paula Deacon announced Tuesday that Leominster High School’s new Principal will be Dr. Joshua Romano.

In a press release Deacon wrote:

Romano graduated Lunenburg High School in 1991 and was inspired to become a teacher after working as a writing
tutor at UMASS Lowell. Graduating with a degree in American Studies, Romano taught ELA and History at Athol High
School and Lunenburg High School for 15 years (minus a few army deployments) and earned a master’s in teaching History at Fitchburg State College.

While teaching at Lunenburg, Romano also served as the Dean of Students and earned a principal license through the Commonwealth Leadership Academy and a CAGS in Education Administration at Fitchburg State University. Romano then worked at Murdock High School as the assistant principal for two years and principal for three years. In 2017 Josh became the principal at Douglas High School, leading
the school through the COVID-19 Pandemic. While at Douglas, Romano introduced coteaching, common planning for teachers, increased graduation requirements, and added several new programs such as robotics, criminal justice, DECA, and Pathways.

Romano completed a doctorate in school leadership at UMASS Lowell this year, with a dissertation on integrating social emotional learning across the curriculum.

In the military, LTC Romano just completed three years as commander of 1st Battalion, 101st Regional Training Institute, running courses for drone pilots, medics, truck drivers, and new commanders. Romano also teaches leadership classes for officer
candidates and is now a Deputy Brigade Commander.

Romano’s school leadership philosophy is based on the belief that if America is a land of opportunity, then public schools are at the forefront of creating opportunities for all students. This includes programs in areas that meet student career interests, supports to help them succeed in classes, and instruction that helps them develop skills needed to be successful in any career. Romano’s leadership
philosophy is centered on his commitment to helping educators improve their craft and to collaborating to improve the school as a whole.

The Devil’s Advocate will bring you a full interview with the new principal once school begins in the fall.