WCAC

by Chris Wangler

August 23, 2022 

Waltham schools superintendent Brian Reagan has appointed Darrell Braggs as Waltham High School’s interim principal for the 2022–23 school year. Mr. Braggs starts on August 26.

The move comes after former principal Brenda Peña abruptly announced her departure in early August, only weeks before the start of school. 

Since 2017, Mr. Braggs has been a WHS associate principal (formerly called housemaster). Last year he was a finalist for the principal vacancy, but Peña was hired instead.

Responding to his appointment, Braggs thanked Peña for her service and said he was eager to get going.

“I’m incredibly excited about the start of the school year,” he said. 

“I love this school and love this community and I’m humbled by the opportunity to be the leader of this school. We have a lot of work to do, but I’m ready to get started.” 

Before coming to Waltham, Braggs taught history for ten years at Framingham High School. He also coached football and mentored at-risk youth. 

Originally from Upstate New York, he holds two masters degrees.

School officials must now appoint an interim replacement for Braggs’ now-vacant associate principal position.

Like schools across the country post-COVID, Waltham High School is dealing with serious staffing shortages and low educator morale. Peña’s decision to quit after roughly a year in the job left many stunned.

But Superintendent Reagan, shown at a topping off ceremony several months ago for the new Waltham High School, believes Mr. Braggs can right the ship.

“While there is no question that jumping into this role under these circumstances comes with a unique set of challenges, I am confident that Mr. Braggs has the skills necessary to ensure stability and reset expectations to help ensure success in the year ahead,” Reagan said in a statement.

File photos