School Officials Name New Martha Jones Principal

Come Fall 2012, students at in Westwood will have a new principal at the helm. 

Selected among three finalists by Westwood School officials last week, Donna Tobin will fill the role once held by former principal Peggy Scott effective July 1.

"I'm extremely excited about coming to Westwood," Tobin told Westwood Patch. "I'm looking forward to working with the administrative team, the teachers, the students and the parents."

Currently the principal of the in Easton, Tobin was previously an elementary teacher in Milton, according to a letter Superintendent John Antonucci wrote in a letter to parents last week. Tobin also holds an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Massachusetts.

"After a thorough and inclusive search process, it was clear Donna has the experience and talent necessary to assume this important leadership position," Antonucci wrote in the letter. "We are confident she is a great fit for the Westwood community."

He added, though, that Martha Jones's previous principal, Peggy Scott, has made a footprint at the school that will not be forgotten. 

"We would be remiss if we did not say that Donna has big shoes to fill," Antonucci wrote. "Peggy Scott has dedicated thirteen years to the Martha Jones community, and our students and families have been well-served with her  at  the helm. She has also been a mentor and friend to many other Westwood administrators, and although we all wish her well in retirement, she will be sorely missed."

And Tobin acknowledged the school's culture as well. 

"Martha Jones has an excellent reputation for excellence in education," Tobin said. "As a principal, to be selected to be part of that team is just amazing. For me, it's a destination community, a place I can call home for my professional career."

She added: "I'm excited about being part of the Westwood Public Schools. There's really a sense of community, and a sense of supporting education, which is the type of district I'm looking for."