Westwood High School Principal Named Assistant Superintendent

The District recently announced that Principal Emily Parks will be filling the position of Assistant Superintendent effective July 1.

The position was left vacant when announced that she would be retiring after 40 years in education.

Superintendent John Antonucci said that when he learned Green would be retiring, she spoke with Parks about the possibility of her taking the position.

“I asked her to take the job and after several rounds of conversations, we both agreed that it was a great fit,” said Antonucci.

He added, “While Av Green certainly leaves big shoes to fill, I look forward to partnering with Emily at the central office level. She is a tremendous leader, she makes great decisions, and she understands what it takes to achieve excellence in all areas of the organization.”

Parks said that taking the position comes with excitement, but also a bit of sadness, because she feels so connected to the Westwood High School community. She started her career of teaching in Westwood in 1994 and since then, she has been the Assistant Principal and Principal of Westwood High School.

“On one hand I’m a bit sad about the change, but the flip side is that I’m excited to focus on something new,” said Parks. “I feel like Westwood High School is in a really great place right now, so this allowed me to do this.”

Antonucci prides in the work that Parks has done in the High School and said that she deserves much of the credit for Westwood being one of the top schools in the state. Parks has been the principal at Westwood High School for the past six years, and last year Boston Magazine ranked it the 11th best school in the state. The school is also consistently performing and graduation rate.

“In almost every measure, Westwood High School has improved across the board under Emily’s leadership, and has become one the state’s elite college preparatory schools,” said Antonucci.

Parks explained that since she has been involved in the district for so long, she feels like she has a bit of a leg up. She explained that she personally knows much of the student body, administration and faculty. But Parks said that she is ready for the new challenge of working at the administrative level, and hopes that her experience in Westwood will help her get acclimated.

By Parks taking the position, it does leave a void at Westwood High School. Antonucci said that there is no plan set yet, but that the position of principal will be advertised in a couple weeks, as early spring is the best for the job market. Antonucci noted that the search will be thorough and will include input by parents, faculty and staff.

“It is important for us to ensure that Westwood High School has continuity of great leadership, Antonucci said. “The search process will be thorough, and will include the participation of the entire WHS community.”