HADLEY — April Camuso, named as the interim principal at Hopkins Academy for the school year in June, will remain in the position on a permanent basis.
Superintendent Annie McKenzie informed the School Committee Monday that she was dispensing with what could be an extensive search for a principal and would instead remove the interim label from Camuso’s job title.
“She’s an extremely effective educator,” McKenzie said of Camuso, who had previously served as the English Department’s chairwoman and adviser to the student newspaper and Gender Equity Task Force.
McKenzie said the decision to keep Camuso in the role was the right move. “That was the best thing I did all day,” she said.
Camuso has been in the district for 13 years. Her accomplishments, according to McKenzie, include co-teaching a course on war literature, developing a specialized reading course and serving as part-time curriculum director, as well as being a member of the Hadley Education Association leadership team.
Camuso said she is happy to stay on board and is looking forward to a more normal school year in 2021-2022. She replaced Brian Beck, a Montague resident, who spent seven years at Hopkins before leaving to become superintendent of the Gill-Montague regional school district.
School Committee Chairwoman Heather Klesch said Camuso has shown care and dedication to the school.
“Your support of everyone around you is greatly appreciated,” Klesch said.
