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Date: 5/25/2021
WESTHAMPTON – Lauren Hotz was recently appointed as the new interim school principal at Hampshire Regional High School for the 2021-2022 school year.
Current Hampshire Regional Middle and High School Principal Kristen Smidy is set to become the superintendent for Gateway Regional School District beginning this summer. Hotz will officially become the new principal on July 1.
Hotz, who has been an assistant and associate principal at the school since July 2018, told Reminder Publishing that she was “definitely interested” in becoming the interim principal once the job opportunity was posted.
"It kind of makes sense at this time given all of the transitions, and looking for some consistency,” said Hotz, with regard to finding interest in the job. She also said that she plans on applying for the full time position when the time comes.
Before taking the interim position, Hotz started out as an assistant principal of the school when she first arrived, and then transitioned into the associate principal role once leadership changes were made prior to COVID-19. As associate principal, Hotz acquired added job responsibilities.
She also told Reminder Publishing that she grew up in the area, and even graduated from Hampshire Regional High school. “It’s been really awesome to come back in this capacity,” said Hotz. “To be able to see all of the changes, and all of the things that also haven’t changed, it’s a very cool experience.”
She described herself as being very “fortunate” to have been around so many flexible students and parents, especially considering the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. “My favorite part about working here by far is just how awesome our kids and our communities are,” Hotz added.
One of her biggest goals for the upcoming school year is getting everyone back on course toward some sense of normalcy. Hotz said that the school is planning to coordinate a lot of summer programs for students. She also has plans to work with staff over the summer to see what gaps need to be filled with regard to the curriculum being taught.
“We just really need to reassess where we are, and forge ahead in that way without making any drastic school-wide changes,” said Hotz. “I think the biggest thing is going to be supporting kids.”
Prior to working at Hampshire, Hotz was a middle and high school administrator in Springfield for eight years.
She received her undergraduate degree in English from UMass Amherst and a Master of Education from UMass as well.
According to Hampshire Regional interim Superintendent Michael Sullivan, the selection process for an interim assistant principal to replace Hotz is underway and should be concluded within the next two weeks.