Melanie Chasse has accepted the position as Westfield’s Paper Mill Elementary School Principal effective July 1, 2018. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Stefan Czaporowski, Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Melanie Chasse has accepted the position as the Paper Mill Elementary School Principal. “Ms. Chasse is committed to treat children, adults and community members with respect to create a safe and supportive learning environment,” commented Superintendent Czaporowski. He added, “I was impressed by Melanie’s core values and ability to see both the school and district perspective in issues.”
Ms. Chasse has over twenty years of experience in public education as both a teacher and administrator. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maine at Farmington she earned a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine. From 2001-2003, Melanie was the Technology Coordinator at Jay Elementary School in Maine. She then went on to be an Apple Training Coordinator for four years. From 2009 – 2015, Melanie Chasse served as the Meroby Elementary School Principal in Mexico, Maine. She served as the Assistant Superintendent in Poland, Maine, from 2015 – 2016. Currently, she is the Superintendent of Schools for Monhegan Island School in Maine.
Ms. Chasse will begin her new position on July 1, 2018.
Upon accepting her appointment, Ms. Chasse stated, “I am honored to serve the student, parents, staff and community members of Paper Mill Elementary School.” She continued, “I look forward to joining a team focused on the best interest of children and making sure that all students have support to achieve academically and socially.”
The Paper Mill Search Committee comprised of staff, parents, a community member, and Westfield Public School administrators was charged by Superintendent Czaporowski to review applicants, conduct confidential interviews, and recommend a slate of finalists.
On May 30, 2018, the Paper Mill Search Committee recommended four (4) finalists to Superintendent Czaporowski. One candidate recommended by the Paper Mill Search Committee withdrew due to acceptance of a similar position in another district.
On June 5, 2018 Superintendent Czaporowski announced the three Paper Mill finalists: Melanie Chasse, Laura Creanza, and Debra Grainsky. Finalists interviewed with Central Office administrators including Superintendent Czaporowski, spent time at Paper Mill Elementary School interacting with students, and staff, and held three meet and greet sessions, the first with staff, the second with district administrators, and the last with community members.
All stakeholders who met the finalists were encouraged to provide feedback to the Superintendent.
Noted Superintendent Czaporowski, “This search at Paper Mill Elementary School mirrored the process which we did earlier this year at Franklin Avenue Elementary School. For future building administrative openings, I will continue the process of an initial screening committee recommending candidates followed by onsite visits by finalists.”
