As Newtown High School Principal Charles "Chip" Dumais prepares to leave the district to head the Amity school district, school officials are preparing for a transition phase that will include an interim principal at the school.
The Superintendent's office said Tuesday they would appoint an interim principal in time to work with Dumais before his March 1 departure. A full-time principal is expected to be chosen by July 1.
Dumais has served as Newtown High School's principal since December 2007.
In a statement posted on his blog, Dumais credited "everybody in the Newtown Public Schools family" for his growth as a school administrator over the past six years.
"Through highly collaborative work with an amazing staff, student body, and community, we have thrived, not just survived, in the face of adversity," he said. "It is hard not to be brought to tears when I think of the tremendous strength, resilience, compassion, and commitment of the staff and students at Newtown High School."
Dumais, who anticipates receiving his doctorate from Central Connecticut State University in July, began his career as a science teacher at Haddam-Killingworth High School in 1990.
"The Newtown School System is always proud when one of its administrative team members is selected by another school system for a professional position of advancement," said the superintendent's release. "We are grateful for the many contributions Mr. Dumais has brought to Newtown High School and for the profound leadership he has provided to staff, students and families. I hope you will join me in expressing gratitude to Chip and wish him well when he assumes his new position."
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