Chris Tolpa-Matuszczak has accepted the position as the principal of Franklin Avenue Elementary School. (Photo courtesy Westfield Public Schools)
WESTFIELD – Stefan Czaporowski, Superintendent of Schools, has announced that Chris Tolpa-Matuszczak has accepted the position as the principal of Franklin Avenue Elementary School.
“Ms. Tolpa-Matuszczak’s commitment to build the foundation for the youngest students in Westfield was prevalent in her interviews and is evident in her work as Interim Principal since January 2018, “ Czaporowski said on Thursday.
“It’s an honor to become a permanent part of the Franklin family. I look forward working with Franklin’s amazing staff and engaged parents to provide collaborative and innovative learning opportunities,” remarked Ms. Tolpa-Matuszczak.
Chris Tolpa-Matuszczak has nearly thirty years of experience in education. After receiving her Bachelors from UMASS Amherst, she worked as an English Teacher at West Springfield High School for almost six years. During that time, she earned her master’s in administration from Springfield College.
Tolpa-Matuszczak began her career in Westfield Public Schools as an assistant principal at Westfield High School for three years, and has been the Supervisor of Humanities (social studies, art, English foreign language, and music curriculums) for the last seventeen years. She is currently serving on the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Assessment Development Committee and is a member of the Western MA Writing Project. Tolpa-Matuszczak has also owned and operated her own business. She lives in Westfield with her husband and two children.
The Franklin Avenue Search Committee comprised of staff, parents, and Westfield Public School administrators was charged by Superintendent Czaporowski to review applicants, conduct confidential interviews, and recommend a slate of finalists. Two finalists were recommended: Chris Tolpa-Matuszczak and Christine Wenz. Both candidates spent April 3, 2018 interviewing with Central Office administrators including Superintendent Czaporowski, then spending time at Franklin Avenue School interacting with students, and staff, and holding two meet and greet sessions; the first with district administrators and the last with community members. All stakeholders who met the finalists were encouraged to provide feedback to the Superintendent.
“This expanded and inclusive hiring process has provided the opportunity to stakeholders to provide input prior to the selection of the finalist. I am grateful for all stakeholders for their time and input,” Czaporowski said.
Superintendent Czaporowski announced his decision to Franklin Avenue Elementary School staff prior to the start of the April 5th school day. Through smiles, Chris Tolpa-Matuszczak said, “My heart is filled with joy to be able to continue building positive relationships with our wonderful students.”
