April 9, 2010 - Robert Penta Appointed Principal of St. Agness School Arlington

Arlington, MA -- Rev. Brian M. Flatley, Pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Arlington announced the appointment of Robert A. Penta as the new Principal for Saint Agnes School, beginning July 1, 2010.

In a letter to the St. Agnes school community, Fr. Flatley said, “I am pleased to welcome Bob Penta to this important position and to extend my support and prayers for his work as the school’s next Principal.  He brings to the position extensive experience and expertise as a teacher, principal and now Catholic school leader.”  

He added that Mr. Penta has “improved schools everywhere he has been and has created school environments where students excel academically and know they are part of a caring, value rich community.” 

Mr. Penta said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to become part of such an exciting and substantial Catholic School.  Saint Agnes is known across the Archdiocese of Boston for academic excellence and strong faith formation.  I look forward to working with Father Flatley, the faculty, parents, Arlington Catholic leaders, and area Principals and Catholic educators to build an exceptional future for Saint Agnes.  Past, current and future students will proudly call Saint Agnes their school!”

Born and raised in East Boston, Mr. Penta has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northeastern University, Wheelock College and Boston College.  A resident of North Reading, he has been a teacher and principal in Reading, Gloucester, Arlington and most recently Dorchester, where he is Principal of the Dorchester Central Campus at Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy. 

Mr. Penta is a respected educator well-known to many educators and families in Arlington for his 15 years of service as Principal of Brackett and Peirce Elementary Schools, and as Director of Title I Programs for the Arlington Public Schools.

Dr. Mary Grassa O’Neill, Secretary for Education/Superintendent for Catholic Schools, shares our enthusiasm. “Bob Penta is an outstanding selection as the next Principal of Saint Agnes School.  Every school where Bob has been Principal has been far stronger for his leadership.  Arlington public school leaders sing his praises. Now, his colleagues across the Archdiocese of Boston have joined the chorus, extolling his educational expertise.  He is devoted to the education of young people, and is tireless in his commitment to helping all students succeed.  Lastly, Bob joins a growing cadre of senior Principals in the North Region of the Archdiocese who we know will work well together to maximize resources and talents.”

Fr. Flatley informed parents that looks forward to introducing Mr. Penta to the school community in the near future.