New Middle School Principal Introduced

William Whalen III was introduced as new principal on Monday at the Seekonk School Committee meeting. Whalen, who comes from the Swansea school district, replaces Joan Fargnoli, who retired in June.

Whalen served the past four years as vice principal at Joseph Case Junior High School in Swansea. Prior to that, he taught history in all three grade levels at the school for seven years. 

"He's been in working every day for the past two weeks and it's almost like he's been here forever," said interim Seekonk school district Superintendent Arlene Bosco during the introduction. "It's a very comfortable relationship. I just think it's going to be a very wonderful opportunity to have him here. We are really thrilled."

Whalen is a Swansea native and was educated there through high school. He received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and a master's degree from Fitchburg State College. Whalen earned a doctorate in education from Northeastern University in May.