When the new Peck Middle School opens for the 2025-26 school year, Kevin McGrath will be welcoming students as the school’s new principal. He will be a familiar face for many, since he is currently interim principal of Holyoke STEM Academy.
“I am thrilled to share with our community that Mr. McGrath has accepted the principalship for Peck Middle School,” said Superintendent Anthony Soto, noting that earlier this year, the district had made a different announcement. “In January, we announced that Diego Sharon would be the principal. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Mr. Sharon is unable to make the commitment to the new Peck community and Holyoke Public Schools at this time. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Mr. McGrath is a proven school leader, having served as a founding member of Holyoke STEM Academy since it opened in 2018. He has also served as a 7th grade math teacher, instructional coach, dean of management and operations, and assistant principal.
“During his tenure as interim principal, STEM has experienced many positive cultural improvements, as evidenced by a 7-point reduction in chronic absenteeism and highly favorable school safety and school climate ratings on the Panorama survey,” Superintendent Soto said. “He is known for being a consistent, collaborative, data-driven leader who centers the needs of students and families in his decision making.”
While the closing of STEM Academy is bittersweet, Mr. McGrath is ready to embrace what comes next.
“I am looking forward to continuing to grow and strengthen middle school education in Holyoke Public Schools,” he said. “I am eager to build on the bright spots of both the Metcalf and STEM communities and develop a collective identity together.”
Mr. McGrath has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Hartford and a master’s degree in teaching from UMass Amherst. Prior to Holyoke, he was a math teacher in Springfield Public Schools. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports and being in nature with his family.