Press Release
Fairhaven Public Schools announced the hiring of a new Assistant Superintendent at its School Committee meeting on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Mark Balestracci will assume the role of Assistant Superintendent starting on December 13, 2021.
Balestracci, a South Coast native, is leaving his 16-year tenure with the Mashpee Public Schools, most recently as their middle-senior high school principal, for his new role in Fairhaven.
“With his experience and knowledge, Mr. Balestracci will be a valuable addition to our district,” East Fairhaven Elementary School Principal and hiring panel member Wendy Weidenfeller said.
Balestracci attended and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2006 in Worcester, where he also played football.
The Mashpee Middle/High School principal for the past seven years began his educational career as a history teacher in the district in 2007. Balestracci taught at the high school until being appointed to lead grades 7 through 9 at Mashpee Middle/High School. Then, Balestracci was named principal of the entire building.
Mashpee Superintendent Patty DeBoer said that Mr. Balestracci was responsible for turning Mashpee Middle/High School into an innovative learning environment.
Longstanding School Committee member, Colin Veitch said about Balestracci, “I was very impressed with his competence, experience and focus on supporting our teachers and staff with resources, and his time, so they can excel in educating our students. I am looking forward to working with him and seeing how he will make our district even better.”
“Mr. Balestracci will be an excellent addition to Fairhaven Public Schools. During the interview process, it was clear that he is eager to help our district continue to implement initiatives that will further benefit our students, academically, socially, and emotionally. He has clear commitment to the students, school district, and community at large,” said Rob Gesualdo, a history teacher at FHS who was on the hiring committee.
“After a rigorous four-stage interview process, it was a unanimous vote that Mr. Balestracci would be the best candidate for the position. I am eager to partner with him to build upon the solid foundation we have worked so hard to have here in Fairhaven. I look forward to our work together to support all students who attend the Fairhaven Public School District to receive the best educational experiences in the region. This is the type of energy we look forward to having, to serve our school communities in Fairhaven,” said Superintendent Tara Kohler.
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