Newtown High School Principal Charles Dumais was chosen unanimously by the Amity Regional School District #5 as that district’s new superintendent of schools at a meeting of that district’s Board of Education Monday, January 13.

Just after the news started to spread, Mr Dumais posted an announcement called “Transition” to about the appointment.his blog

Mr Dumais started his tenure in Newtown in January 2008.

The Newtown Public School District also shared a press release on Tuesday, January 14, from Superintendent of Schools John Reed.

"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," Dr Reed wrote in the release. "I hope you will join me in expressing gratitude to [Mr Dumais] and wish him well when he assumes his new position."

The release also explains that Mr Dumais will assume his new responsibilities for the Amity Regional School District #5 on March 1.

"During the next few weeks we will be implementing a process which will result in the appointment of an interim principal to be here in time to work with [Mr Dumais] prior to his departure. A plan will also be finalized for the recruitment and selection of the new principal of Newtown High School," the release reads. "It is anticipated that individual will begin on July 1."

More details on the appointment will appear here and in the print edition of The Newtown Bee this week.

Mr Dumais’ ‘Transition’

“Over the years, I have had the privilege to contribute to the development of a true learning organization that has embraced teacher professional growth; fostered a strong faculty, staff, student, and parent voice; improved student achievement by multiple measures; and increased communication with all constituents. Through highly collaborative work with an amazing staff, student body, and community, we have thrived, not just survived, in the face of adversity. 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.

“I have grown through all of these experiences and have become a better leader, educator, and person through my interactions with everybody in the Newtown Public Schools family. I owe a wealth of thanks to all who have contributed to my learning. While my learning is certainly far from done, I have been offered an opportunity to lead Amity Regional School District #5 and have decided to take the position of Superintendent of Schools effective March 1, 2014.

“The strength of an organization comes not from any individual but from the collective efforts of all of its members. Few school systems will ever have to endure what Newtown has and few schools will ever demonstrate the awesome cohesive response that Newtown High School did. I am so very proud to have been a part of this community for the past six years. I thank all of you.”

Charles Dumais

Principal

Newtown High School

(This story was updated to include the press release from the Newtown Public School District.)