AMHERST – Bobbie Finocchio will step down after two years serving as principal at Fort River School.
Finocchio sent a letter to families at the elementary school Friday informing them that she will remain in the position through June 30.
According to the letter, Finocchio’s decision was prompted by her need to return to eastern Massachusetts to be with her family.
“Fort River School and the Amherst community will always be special to me,” Finocchio wrote. “I feel fortunate and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as a principal for the last two years.”
Finocchio, 33, was hired in March 2014 after being principal at Arthur T. Cummings Elementary School in Winthrop. She replaced Monica Hall, who became the district’s director of diversity and equity.
Maria Geryk, superintendent for the schools, said in an email she would have liked Finocchio to remain in her position, but added that she respects her decision to be nearer her family, and wishes her the best.
“Ms. Finocchio is an exceptional instructional leader who demonstrated great care and made strong connections with her students, faculty, staff and families,” Geryk said.
School Committee Chairwoman Katherine Appy said she, too, is sorry to see Finocchio leave.
“I want to thank her for all her hard work on behalf of our students and I wish her the very best,” Appy said.
Finocchio said in her letter that she appreciated the strong partnerships with students, staff, families and community.
“I am very proud of the achievements and growth our students have made and I know the good work will continue,” Finocchio wrote.
Finocchio earns an annual salary of $98,430.
The position is posted on the SchoolSpring job search website and is open for applications until April 22. The advertisement states that the school has 317 students and 85 professional and support staff, including a full-time assistant principal.
Geryk said a committee that will include faculty, administrators, parents and guardians will be established to review applicants and interview qualified candidates, and the interview process will include the chance for the public to meet the finalists and provide input.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
