AMHERST — Talib Sadiq will be stepping down as principal at Amherst Regional High School at the end of June after leading the school for the past five years, according to a message sent to families this week.
“After much reflection, I have decided that I will step away from my role as principal of ARHS at the conclusion of this school year,” Sadiq wrote in Wednesday’s correspondence. “This was not an easy decision, and it comes after careful and thoughtful consideration.”
An Amherst native who graduated from the high school in 1988, Sadiq spent time as a middle school guidance counselor starting in 2007, following a one-year internship under longtime guidance counselor Barry Brooks. Sadiq also served as dean of students.
In fall 2020, Sadiq was promoted from assistant principal at the high school to interim principal after Gene Jones left after one year at the helm, and he also took on the role of middle school principal for most of the 2023-2024 school year.
Sadiq cited the growing demands of being a principal and no longer feeling he could give the position the level of energy and focus it deserves.
“Making this decision now allows ample time for the district to identify the next principal who will continue to lead ARHS forward,” Sadiq wrote. “Serving the students, staff and families of ARHS has been an extraordinary privilege. I am deeply grateful for the trust, partnership and support you have shown me throughout my time here.”
“Together, we have supported student growth, celebrated achievements, and strengthened the sense of community that makes ARHS such a special place,” he wrote.
The father of three children, two of whom graduated from the school during his time as principal, Sadiq was also a house parent at the Amherst A Better Chance program from 2009 to 2016.
The message to families indicates he intends to stay committed to the work together with caregivers and students and ensuring a positive and successful second half of the year for students.
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of your students’ educational journeys and for the continued support you show our school,” he wrote.