MONTAGUE — The Gill-Montague Regional School District has a few positions that will see new leadership beginning in the fall.

Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School Principal Christopher Barnes is leaving the district after a three-year tenure, having taken a job at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington as its new principal.

Barnes notified the district of his departure in mid-June, and a job posting for the principal role was made available. Several candidates have applied, and the interview process for applicants will run from July 8 through July 15, according to Gill-Montague Superintendent Brian Beck.

Barnes joined the Gill-Montague school district in August 2021 as the Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School principal. He had previously taught in his home city of Baltimore, then he became principal at Arlington Memorial Middle and High School in Arlington, Vermont.

Although the Greenfield Recorder was not able to reach Barnes for comment, Barnes is quoted as saying in an announcement from Berkshire Hills Regional School District Superintendent Peter Dillon that the Monument Mountain Regional High School “has a great history and strong traditions, and it is my intention to begin building relationships with students, staff and community members right away.” The announcement also notes Barnes’ accomplishments as principal in Turners Falls, stating that the district added “several high-interest Innovation Pathways, expanded music and theater programs, added two varsity sports, and expanded parent involvement through booster groups and School Council” during his tenure.

Beck wished Barnes well, saying, “It’s a gain for Monument Mountain, and we certainly respect his decision.”

According to Beck, the reason behind Barnes’ departure relates to his family commitments in Berkshire County.

“We certainly wish him the best of luck for the future,” Beck added.

As Barnes exits the district and Gill-Montague seeks his replacement, a new principal is also slated to begin working at Hillcrest Elementary School following a delayed start date. Former Principal Sarah Burstein took a position as principal at Bernardston Elementary School. Beck said an interim principal will be announced as soon as possible.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.