ELHS principal takes new post in Lenox

Date: 4/18/2011

April 18, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW — Superintendent Gordon Smith confirmed to Reminder Publications that East Longmeadow High School Principal Michael Knybel is planning to leave the school to assume the same position at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School.

"He did let us know he was chosen as the ultimate finalist for that position," Smith said. "The contract negotiations for that position have not yet been completed, so it is not completely set, so we are waiting to see what happens next."

Knybel declined to comment on his move, citing the ongoing contract talks and a desire to not be a distraction to graduating seniors.

Former East Longmeadow Superintendent Edward Costa II, who is the current superintendent of Lenox Public Schools, did not return phone calls as of press time.

Knybel was named principal in April 2010, after the retirement of Richard Freccero, who served in the position for 23 years, was announced. Prior to that, Knybel was the high school's assistant principal for six years.

Smith said he and his administrative team had yet to devise a transition plan and would be sitting down to hash one out shortly. However, he had yet to speak to Knybel about his plans, including whether he planned to stay in his current position for the remainder of the school year.

"That's one thing we still have to put together," Smith said. "We need to know what his thoughts are and I haven't had a chance to sit down with him and talk about that."

Smith credited Knybel with a keen ability to help the high school make strides in the field of technology, citing the implementation of EdLine, a program that incorporates a Web site maintained by the teachers to compliment classroom learning, and the addition of e-books to the reference materials available to students.