Jill Phelan, new interim principal at Highland Elementary with Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, and Christopher Manfredi, who will be on loan to HIghland from Munger Hill as assistant principal until Nov. 1. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski announced on Friday that Highland Elementary Assistant Principal Jill Phelan has been appointed for one-year as the interim principal for the school, replacing Mary Claire Manning, who is leaving Aug. 9 for a new position in Connecticut.
“The district is very appreciative that Jill was willing to step up, and we look forward to a great year at Highland,” Czaporowski said, following a meeting informing Highland staff of the changes.
Phelan, of Southampton, has served Highland as assistant principal for three years, although she said this is her twentieth year in education. She started as a teacher in a private pre-school, taught kindergarten for four years in Springfield, then second grade in Chicopee for 12 years before coming to Westfield.
Czaporowski also announced the short-term appointment of Munger Hill Assistant Principal Christopher Manfredi as interim assistant principal in Highland until Nov. 1. Czaporowski said Manfredi is “on loan” from Munger Hill during the transitional period.
“I’m just willing to do anything I can to make sure it’s a smooth transition,” Manfredi said, adding that for him, “It’s like coming back to my first home.” Manfredi started at Highland as assistant principal in 2002, and since has served administrative roles in the Juniper Park, Paper Mill and Munger Hill schools.
Prior to coming to Westfield, Manfredi taught fifth grade in Ludlow for seven years.
Czaporowski said the district will be posting for an interim assistant principal to start in November.
For the permanent position of principal, a search committee will be formed in December, at which time the district will list the position. Czaporowski said he hopes to fill the position by February, for a July 1 start. He also said it will be up to Phelan if she wishes to apply for the permanent position.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to it. We have an amazing community of staff, students and parents here,” Phelan said.
“I look forward to continuing the great work we’ve been doing,” she added.
