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Gillen named principal of middle school

Date: 4/17/2015

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Changes continue to come to the West Springfield School District. Less than two weeks after Michael Richard was named the permanent superintendent he has selected the newest administrator.

Peter Gillen has been chosen as the new principal of the West Springfield Middle School. Gillen, who has served as the vice principal for six years, will replace current principal Thomas McNulty, who is set to retire at the end of the year.

“Peter’s got some great interpersonal skills, his listening skills will be invaluable when it comes to understanding the needs of teachers,” Richard said. “He’s got a nice command of middle school curriculum and will be able to model for teachers what they need to do to best assist their students. I think that he’s got a great connection to the community to be able to build on morale in the building and keep spirits up teachers and student alike.”

Gillen was one of three candidates who made it the final interviews on April 8. Michael Knybel, principal of Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, and Thomas Mazza, principal of Forest Park Middle School, both interviewed for the position, as well.

After being vetted by a screening committee, all three candidates were interviewed together, and though he said they each were qualified for the position, Richard said Gillen had everything he was looking for.     

“[Knybel and Mazza] certainly brought something special to table, as well, but in my estimation, Peter was a more complete package for the middle school,” Richard said.

Richard said Gillen takes the reins starting July 1.

Richard also has another decision on his hands. Fausey Elementary School Principal Susan Mulvaney is set to retire at the end of the school year.

Two finalists have been named for the position. Richard interviewed both Sharon Keough and Myriam Sklonik on April 9.

Though a decision had not been made at press time, Richard told Reminder Publications he had a hard choice to make.