July 3, 2025 Clinton, Westbrook, & Old Saybrook Vol. XXVIII Iss. 27
.com
BOE Approves Shared Principal Model By Eric O'Connell Staff Writer WESTBROOK
At a special meeting on June 17, the Westbrook Board of Education voted unanimously to combine the leadership of Westbrook Middle School (WMS) and Westbrook High School (WHS), appointing one principal and one assistant principal to oversee both schools. The model will operate as a two-year
pilot, during which the district will evaluate its effectiveness. Both schools, located in the same building on McVeagh Road, serve grades 6 through 12. The middle school includes grades 6 to 8, while the high school serves grades 9 to 12. Under the new structure, Matthew Talmadge was appointed principal of both schools effective July 1 through June 30, 2027. Amy Gallagher was appointed assistant principal for the same term.
Superintendent Dr. Kristina Martineau said the shift follows the retirement of Westbrook High School Principal Tara Winch, who served in the role for 11 years. “This retirement presented an opportunity to evaluate our current leadership structure for both Westbrook Middle School and Westbrook High School,” Martineau said. “In grades 6–12, we anticipate an enrollment of See BOE Approves page 9
Summer Sounds Marco Gaylord conducts the Middletown Symphonic Band on June 29 on the Westbrook Town Green as part of the town’s free Summer Concert Series. The band performs a mix of Americana, Broadway, and movie soundtrack favorites.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Harbor News
Red House Restaurant • Bar • Takeout 158 Main Street, Deep River
Not Just a Great Burger
Erica Palmer is empowering young women with Next Girl Up...............2
Building a Core The Morgan girls’ lacrosse team gained experience with a young roster this spring and made a state tournament appearance...............14
A Sizzling July 4 Stay safe this holiday and leave the fireworks to the pros....................25