About Dr. Lancia

Dr. Peter Lancia has served the Westbrook Schools since 1990. He taught second grade at Saccarappa School for 12 years, including one as the school's literacy specialist. He next served as principal at Congin School for nine years, before being named Director of Teaching and Learning and Assistant Superintendent in 2011. He was named Superintendent of Schools in August 2016 and is honored to serve this dynamic, diverse community. In addition to his work in Westbrook, Dr. Lancia is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern Maine, teaching courses in Literacy, Language, and Culture and Educational Leadership. He has presented workshops and lectures at numerous professional organizations and conferences including ASCD, International Literacy Association, Strive Together, and National Council of Teachers of English. He served as past president of Maine ASCD, an Editorial Board member of The Reading Teacher, the cabinet and steering committee of the Westbrook Children's Project, the Education Council of United Way of Southern Maine, and USM's College of Education and Human Development Advisory Board. Dr. Lancia earned a BA at Bowdoin College with a double major in anthropology and religion (and proudly sponsors the Bowdoin Book Award at WHS), a MSEd at USM in Literacy Education, and a PhD at Lesley University in Adult Learning and Development. He was honored as Maine Teacher of the Year in 2002, Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year in 2016, and was honored by the Maine Superintendents' Association with the Outstanding Leadership Award in 2023. He is most proud of his family: a daughter who is an environmental educator, a son who is a college senior, a daughter who is a high school junior, his wife who is also an educator, and his parents who taught him to love learning.

I AM CURRENTLY READING:

Solito by Javier Zamora

About Dr. O'Donnell

Dr. O'Donnell is a seasoned educator with a distinguished 36-year career, initially beginning in Sanford and subsequently contributing her expertise across various districts in Maine. Her instructional experience spans from Kindergarten through sixth grade, with a specialization in intervention programs. Dr. O'Donnell has excelled in administrative roles, having served as both assistant principal and principal, and was honored as the NAESP Maine Elementary Assistant of the Year in 2015.

She is recognized as a Distinguished Alumnae of the University of Southern Maine and actively contributes to educational leadership as a member of the Educational Leadership Advisory Board at USM. Dr. O'Donnell holds a BS in Elementary Education, an MS in Exceptionality, and completed her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Educational Leadership in 2020, further enriching her academic credentials.

Her dedication to advancing educational equity is evident through her scholarly contributions, notably in her publication "Connecting Theory and Practice in Middle School Literacy: Critical Conversations". Dr. O'Donnell is a sought-after presenter at national, regional, and local conferences, where she shares insights on various educational topics.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. O'Donnell finds joy in culinary pursuits, literature, and cherishing moments with her family in Portland, where she resides with her wife and their dogs.

I am currently reading:

Culture of Growth by Mary Murphy

Dr. Mazjanis decided to become an educator because he believes in public education's capacity and responsibility to make the world a better place for everyone. He started his career as a high school Biology and Chemistry teacher but quickly saw the importance of skilled leadership in our schools. He has been an educational administrator for 28 years - both as a principal at all grade levels and now as a district-wide leader in Westbrook.  

Dr. Mazjanis earned a BS in Secondary Education from the University of Connecticut, followed by a MS in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine and finally a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Educational Leadership from the Muskie School of Public Service at USM.  He was a contributing author for a report submitted to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs of the Maine Legislature and has earned a certificate in Educational Finance from the McCourt School of Public Policy and Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University in 2023.  He currently serves as an officer on the board of the Intercultural Community Center in Westbrook.  

Dr. Mazjanis lives in Portland with his wife and dog.  He enjoys running, hiking, skiing and cooking for family and friends at "Bri's Bistro."

I am currently reading:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Administrative Office

117 Stroudwater Street

Westbrook, Maine 04092

Tel:  (207) 854-0800     Fax: (207) 854-0809 

Email:  wsd@westbrookschools.org

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (School Year Hours)

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Summer Hours)