By Lauri Lee
Northside News

Interim principals will lead Mendota and Lindbergh Elementary Schools for the 2019–20 school year due to the promotions of their principals, Carlettra Stanford and Lindsay Maglio, this summer. “Having interim principals will allow the schools to go through a full selection process this school year,” said Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) spokeswoman Rachel Strauch-Nelson. 

Leah Zepeda Vaughn is the new interim principal for Mendota. Zepeda Vaughn has served as a bilingual resource teacher, a teacher leader and as the assistant principal at Glendale Elementary. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and education, and master’s degrees in psychology and in leadership for equity and social justice.

The Lindbergh interim principal is Andrea Richichi. Richichi was the Allis Elementary assistant principal. Her other work includes supporting students with special education needs and building systems to support students in positive behavior. Richichi has also served as a program support teacher and a school social worker. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and gender and women’s studies, and a master’s degree in social work.

Stanford is the new MMSD Chief of Elementary Schools for MMSD. Maglio is now a school improvement partner for MMSD, supporting elementary schools, including Lindbergh.