South Hadley principal resigns

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - Nearly two months after the South Hadley School Department welcomed a new superintendent, it will need to appoint a new principal for its high school.

During an interview last May with The Republican, shortly after he was hired as South Hadley High School's principal, Sean McNiff said he came in "with the idea to stay in for a long time."

But that wasn't the case, as the principal announced his resignation last week.

Superintendent of South Hadley Schools Dr. Nicholas Young told 22News that McNiff was leaving for personal reasons, which he is not at liberty to discuss. Young says that he is confident they'll find a replacement, but it will take at least a few months.

“Typically it takes a couple of months to do a selection, and then it's usually after then before someone is able to start. I think it's always, you know, a challenge to find somebody for a senior leadership role in education,” Young said.

Dr. Young told 22News Christine Sweklo, who served as interim superintendent in the spring, she will be the interim principal at the high school.

Young says a review of the hiring process will take place next week during Tuesday's school committee meeting. Sometime in October, parents and community members will have a chance to meet the top candidates.