There is a new acting Headmaster in charge at New Bedford High School.

School Dept. spokesman Jonathon Carvalho says Headmaster Kathleen Dawson has been granted a leave of absence for personal reasons.

Bernadette Coelho, the Director of Registration and Pathways at the high school, will serve as acting Headmaster till Dawson returns.  Coelho has worked for the School Department since 2006 and has a principal's license and a master's degree in education.

The announcement was made Friday at New Bedford High School.  Carvalho says Dawson is expected back on the job by February 1st.

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