Thomas Osborn of Amherst has been hired as the new principal of the Westfield K-8 Virtual School. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)
WESTFIELD – Thomas Osborn of Amherst has been selected as the first principal of the Westfield K-8 Virtual School, to begin on Aug. 2.
“Dr. Osborn’s enthusiasm and energy for this new school will set the students and staff up for success,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski in making the announcement.
“I am honored to be joining the Westfield School District as the principal of the Westfield Virtual School. I am looking forward to providing students and families with the highest quality education at Westfield Virtual School and supporting children for whom virtual instruction is the best fit,” Osborn said.
Osborn is entering his ninth year in administration and educational leadership. Originally from Queens, N.Y., he has leadership experience in both general and special education, as well as teaching experience in brick-and-mortar schools in New York and Massachusetts, and in virtual schools.
“Virtual education has been around for a long time – we’re finally seeing the technology we need to fully embrace it,” he said, adding, “It’s my goal to provide students in Westfield the highest possible excellence in education. I’m really excited to join the team and become part of the community.”
Osborn’s educational background includes a bachelor of arts in English literature, a master’s in teaching, a certificate of advanced graduate studies in educational leadership, and a doctorate degree in education.
He resides in Amherst with his two children and wife, where he has a small hobby farm with chickens, ducks, geese, and three goats, and is working to grow his own vegetables. He hopes to harvest many cloves of garlic this year.
“It is my privilege to lead the new Westfield Virtual Academy and the many talented teachers and students here. My goal is to begin strong with a well-researched and planned program to open the 2021-2022 school year,” Osborn said.
