MONTAGUE — The search for a new principal at Sheffield Elementary School is over.
The school’s assistant principal, Melissa Pitrat, is stepping up to fill the position. She begins work as principal immediately and the school has opened a search for a new assistant principal.
“I am excited to have Melissa at the helm. She has over 20 years’ experience as a distinguished teacher and has already demonstrated strong and effective leadership skills. We are all looking forward to her building upon the positive momentum taking place at Sheffield,” said Superintendent Michael Sullivan.
Sullivan made the decision after the district’s search committee reviewed applications, selected two finalists and conducted a public interview last Thursday.
Pitrat, who lives in Hatfield, has served as assistant principal since February 2016. She also taught second and third grade at Four Corners Elementary in Greenfield and taught at Jackson Street Elementary School in Northampton for two years.
The search process started last month after Principal Sharon Moberg decided to accept an elementary school principal job in Hampden to reduce her daily commute from Springfield and to be closer to home to care for an aging parent.