Back to School – Incoming Belmonte STEAM Academy Principal has small town administration and teaching experience across the country

By Tara Vocino

SAUGUS – Incoming Belmonte STEAM Academy Principal Christopher Blair introduced himself on Tuesday. He is looking forward to working alongside Assistant Principals Heidi Jimenez and Elizabeth Wahlman – who comes from Revere – when the new school year begins on Aug. 26. All of his previous jobs in education have been in small towns.

“Route 1 can be a little over-the-top, yes,” Blair said. “At the same time, how can you not love a street that sports a 68-foot cactus?”

Moving from the West Coast, Blair compared the town to a 1950s television show, where many residents take pride in their lawn.

He is unique in that he is producing his own weekly television show, comparing it to Mr. Rogers crossed with David Letterman. “The school has science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) right in the name, so I’ll nudge the show in that direction,” Blair said. “The first episode will go out Friday, Sept. 5, and it’s about rockets.”

Residents could see vapor trials flying above the Belmonte rooftop last week.

Blair is originally from Southern California but grew up mostly in Oregon, where he was a journalist before returning to school to become a teacher in 1996. After 17 years as a teacher and administrator near Eugene and in Portland, he moved to Northern New Hampshire 11 years ago to become an elementary school principal. His most recent role was a high school assistant principal in Windham, N.H. With 28 years of teaching/administrative experience, Blair enjoys working with younger students for their eagerness and curiosity about the world.

He replaced Principal Dr. Maureen Lueke, who retired after many years of service at Belmonte and at the Oaklandvale School. The Lowell resident earned his Master’s in teaching from Pacific University and a Bachelor’s in journalism from University of Oregon.