WESTFORD — Westford Academy Principal Jim Antonelli is stepping down from his position on June 30.
Antonelli announced his departure in an email to community members on June 23.
Antonelli, who began his career in 1988 as a football coach, returned to the Academy in 1993 to begin student teaching. He later served as a classroom teacher, Dean of Student Activities, and Assistant Principal until he was finally promoted to Principal in 2007.
In his email, he thanked former Westford Academy Principal Bill McGuirk, former Westford Academy teacher Bill Cody and former Superintendent of Schools Bill Olsen for their support during his career.
Antonelli says his late departure was “not my intent,” but notes that an opportunity “came my way and it was something that really piqued my interest” based on the nature of the job and its location.
Antonelli was not immediately available to comment on his new role.
He thanked Westford Academy students, staff, and faculty as well as the Town of Westford for their support.
Superintendent of Schools Christopher Chew said the announcement was “quite the surprise.”
“We’re sad to see him go. He’s done a great job and has been the face of WA for years,” Chew told WestfordCAT.
Chew says he hopes to do a full search to fill the position to “find the right candidate.”
“My goal now is to do a search. I’m optimistic we will have very strong candidates who will want to join us,” he said. “We already have applications and candidates. We’re hoping to start to have interviews after the [July 4] holiday.”
This story is developing. WestfordCAT will update this page as new information becomes available.
