Editor’s note: Though a decision was made less than 24 hours after the public event, we have opted to keep our initial reporting with Daniel Hudder for posterity.
WESTFORD — Westford Academy held a ‘Meet & Greet’ on Thursday for two potential candidates to succeed former principal James Antonelli.
Twomey tapped as next principal
Though, in a Friday afternoon email to students, faculty and staff, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Chew announced that Dean of Students Daniel Twomey would succeed James Antonelli as Westford Academy’s new principal.
He will begin his role on July 17.
“I am very grateful to all of the people who were able to participate in that meet and greet of the finalists as it was very well attended. The feedback provided was helpful and informative,” wrote Chew in an email
He added, “He [Twomey] is well aware of both the strong reputation of academic excellence within our district as well as the profound need to be able to adjust to the growing demands required to successfully support ALL of our students’ social emotional wellbeing.”
Finalists were chosen by a 10-member committee consisting of students, staff, parents and Westford Public Schools administration.
Chew notes that though three potential finalists were selected, one withdrew their candidacy prior to the public event.
Who is Daniel Twomey?
Previously the Director of Athletics at Westford Academy, Twomey has served as a Dean of Students at the Academy since 2017.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Providence College and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Fitchburg State University.
Before his role at WA, Twomey was a middle school math teacher, summer schoolteacher, coach and after school counselor. He also served as Groton-Dunstable Regional’s Director of Athletics.
As principal, Twomey’s says his two main goals would be to maintain WA’s “excellent” academic prestige and ensure that students “love being there.” He prides himself on his relationships with students and teachers and being a good listener.
“I am visible throughout the school often [and] I welcome students to school in the morning,” Twomey said. “The quick interactions with students as they’re coming and going is important to me. I’ve learned a lot from them in those moments.”
Twomey hopes for students to recognize him as an instructional leader if he is selected for the position.
Twomey plans to include students’ perspectives on potential improvements to WA while encouraging creativity, problem-solving skills and connections.
He says he aims to prioritize belonging and multicultural diversity at WA through orientation programs and buddy systems for incoming students. He says he will continue multicultural events in order to include “every type of student who goes here [to WA].”
Although he admits WA “still [has] work to do” in terms of diversity.
Twomey says he is passionate about later start times, noting the challenge an early start time poses to students.
“7:45 a.m. is very early … that’s a challenge. That’s something that’s very important to me, it always has been,” he said.
Who is Daniel Hudder?
Hudder worked as a teacher for 20 years before his role as Bedford High School’s Assistant Principal in July 2018.
He previously worked as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Keefe Tech in Framingham, the Head of the English department at Franklin High School, an Adjunct Professor at Boston University and a teacher at Needham High School.
He attended New York University for his Bachelor of Science in English Education and the University of Masschusetts Boston for his Masters of Arts in American Studies. He earned his Master of Education at Endicott College.
As an educator, Equity is a top priority of Hudder. He says he believes “every student needs an opportunity to feel successful and grow.”
The social and emotional health of students and faculty is equally important to Hudder, who stressed that “[mental health] has to be first before you can truly succeed in life.”
As Assistant Principal, Hudder brought advisory blocks to Bedford High so students could gain mental health support, access to a “trusted adult” and a sense of community.
He noted that he would work with educational organizations in the Westford community and collaborate with WA students on potential implementations.
Being new to the area, Hudder expressed his desire to hear from residents “about this town [and] learn as much as I can about Westford Academy.”
He closed with, “I hope in hearing my responses you’re able to see who I am as an educator and a leader.”
Audience reactions
Attendee’s appreciated WA for providing the opportunity to interact with the finalists.
“It’s empowering to be involved in the decision making process,” Westford resident Subir Choudhury said.
His wife, Soma Choudhury, also liked the ‘Meet & Greet.’ However, she noticed concern with the lack of parents in the audience.
“I would’ve liked to see more parents participating … We have a large Indian community and I would’ve liked to see more involvement [from them] tonight,” she said.
Overall, the event allowed Westford teachers, students, families, and residents to play a role in the decision making process.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for townspeople and staff and students to meet the two candidates and ask questions,” said WA history teacher Amanda Everett.
