SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Mastraccio as the new Principal of Sanford Middle School. Mastraccio, who has served as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School for the past 10 years, will officially assume his new role effective July 1st.
The selection process included input from the entire school community, with surveys sent to both staff and families, as well as student focus groups, to identify the qualities most important for the next principal. Seven candidates applied for the position, and four were interviewed by a comprehensive committee that included teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents.
Mastraccio's career in the Sanford School Department spans nearly two decades. He served as a Math Teacher at Sanford Junior High from 2006-2015, where he also led the Math Team as advisor for those same nine years and taught summer school mathematics from 2006-2011.
His transition into administration began with an Administrative Internship at Sanford Junior High from 2010-2015, where he assisted with the administration of a 700-student middle school, followed by his decade of service as Assistant Principal at Sanford Middle School. During his tenure as Assistant Principal, the school has expanded to over 900 students in grades 5-8, and his commitment to school safety and student development has remained a priority throughout this growth.
“Following an extensive process including input from stakeholders, I am certain that Joe Mastraccio is the right person to lead Sanford Middle School,” Sanford Superintendent of Schools Matt Nelson said. “He is a man of the highest integrity and has been preparing for this position his whole career. He bleeds Sanford red and knows our community and what our students need to continue to move forward and succeed.”
Beyond his administrative duties, Mastraccio has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities and athletics throughout his tenure in the district, serving in various coaching positions. Mastraccio earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine in May of 2015.
"I am honored to be a part of the Sanford Middle School team and look forward to continuing my work with students, staff, and the community,” Mastraccio said. “We will strive to create a safe and fun learning environment for our students while also placing an emphasis on academic achievement. Sanford has a long standing sense of pride and I look forward to further building a positive climate and culture at Sanford Middle School.”
Mastraccio will succeed Pam Crosby, who recently left to become Principal of Freeport Middle School.
The Sanford School Department congratulates Joe Mastraccio on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership at Sanford Middle School.