GREENFIELD — After a challenging year staffing-wise for the district, new leadership will take the helm this fall at Greenfield Middle School and Newton School.

Meanwhile, the district continues to accept applications for some unfilled positions, including a few special education teachers and school psychologists.

Greenfield Middle School

Michelle Fenimore, who most recently served as principal at Federal Street School, will step into the role that Lynn Dole vacated in June.

“Michelle has undeniable leadership skills and understands the needs of our district, students and staff, and we are thrilled to have her as our Greenfield Middle School principal this fall,” Superintendent Christine DeBarge said in a statement.

The first day of school for students is Aug. 31.

DeBarge said the position wasn’t posted, as Fenimore, who was out last year on family leave, expressed interest in the position when she returned to work.

“I was interested in having her, so it was a fairly easy transition,” DeBarge said.

Fenimore has more than 15 years of experience working in Massachusetts public schools, according to a Greenfield School Department press release. She previously served as associate principal at the middle school.

“I’ve loved being a part of this community for the past four years,” said Fenimore. “Greenfield Middle School is such a welcoming and safe environment. I couldn’t be more thankful for the students and staff that I am so fortunate to interact with daily.”

Newton School

Darlene Rehor, after 25 years in education, will join the district as principal at Newton School. Most recently, she served as the Gateway Regional School District’s elementary assistant principal.

“During my interview process, I felt instantly connected to the school district and the staff,” Rehor said in a statement. “Everyone I met at Greenfield was so welcoming. I am passionate about education, and I am committed to continuously fostering relationships between students, families and staff to ensure everyone feels connected and valued. The goal is for everyone to flourish, and in a supportive school environment everyone makes gains.”

DeBarge said Rehor’s experience, personality and prioritization of academic improvement, social-emotional well-being and data-based decision-making “made her an outstanding candidate.”

According to the release, much of Rehor’s work in the Gateway Regional School District was centered around Response to Intervention (RIT), a multi-tiered approach schools use to identify students with learning and behavior needs early on.

Additional positions

DeBarge said another significant opening that has been filled was the director of behavioral services, a position created last year with the goal of addressing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many students in the district. She previously explained the individual in that role will work to develop school counseling and therapeutic programs to meet students’ social and emotional needs.

“We’re in a process of signing a contract for someone,” she said. “They would be working through a vendor, but we’re pleased we’ll have them on site.”

In terms of other openings in the district, which include a few special education teachers and school psychologists, among others, applications are coming in, DeBarge said. She noted that the internal changes “seem to be settling down.”

“We’re still dealing with some openings,” she said. “This is a very busy time for all school districts for staffing. … We’ve had candidates for all our positions, and the administrators are prioritizing getting high-quality candidates to replace the high-quality staff who are taking advantage of open positions in other districts.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne

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