NORTHAMPTON — Chris Wenz, assistant principal of Peter Thacher Elementary School in Attleboro, will be the new principal of Leeds Elementary School.
“Based upon the written and verbal feedback I have received, it is clear to me that many of our teachers, ESPs [educational support professionals], and other school staff experienced a sense of connection and comfort with Ms. Wenz,” Superintendent John Provost wrote in an announcement. “This is very important to me. If the teachers have confidence in their new leader, the students will prosper.”
Wenz grew up in West Stockbridge and lives in Rhode Island. She plans to move back to western Massachusetts soon and said the job at Leeds Elementary was a draw for her, she wrote in an email to the Gazette.
“After meeting the interview committee at Leeds Elementary, I was impressed with the positive, collaborative learning environment, as well as the members of the Leeds faculty and members of Northampton Public Schools,” she wrote, adding that she liked the team approach to education at ther school.
In May, Sal Canata, who has been principal of Leeds Elementary since 2013, announced his coming departure. The longtime Holyoke resident took a position starting July 1 as principal of Holyoke STEM Academy, a public middle school.
Seventeen candidates applied for the position. Lisa Desjarlais, currently the principal of Pelham Elementary School, was the other finalist for the position.
Earlier in the month, the two finalists spoke at a public forum at the Leeds Elementary.
Wenz has been working in Attleboro public schools since 2011 in various positions, including co-head teacher and technology integration specialist. She became an assistant principal in 2014. Before going into administration, she taught in an elementary school in Webster. On her résumé, she cites furthering her career as a principal as a reason for leaving Attleboro public schools. Last spring, she was a finalist for a position as principal of Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Westfield, according to published news reports.
She has a master’s degree in elementary education from Worcester State College, now called Worcester State University, and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from North Adams State College, now called Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In addition, she has a certificate of advanced graduate studies in school administration from American International College in Springfield.
Wenz signed a 3-year contract and will start June 28 at a $100,000 annual salary. This summer, she will be holding several events for the school community, with details to be announced.
Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.