Former Fall River, New Bedford, and West Bridgewater educator new principal of re-opened Westall Elementary School

FALL RIVER — Superintendent Tracy Curley has announced that Rich Leeman has been appointed the new principal of the Westall Elementary School.

Leeman, who served earlier in his career as Vice Principal at the Carlton M. Viveiros Elementary School, took over the new role effective July 1.

His immediate responsibilities include readying the Westall School to once again serve as an elementary school for the first time since 2008.

“The new Principal of the Westall School needed to be someone capable of developing an immediate sense of community and spirit,” Superintendent Curley said. “Having started his career in Fall River, Rich understands the community, and shares our commitment to providing a nurturing educational environment for all.”

“I have deep roots in the area and I’m very excited to be returning to Fall River,” Principal Leeman said. Coming from a family of teachers, I have a strong passion for fostering productive and supportive community-based learning environments.”

Principal Leeman started teaching at B.M.C. Durfee High School in 2001. He served as Vice Principal at the Viveiros School for three years starting in 2013. He has also served as a principal at New Bedford and West Bridgewater.

Principal Leeman has a Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Rhode Island, and a Master’s Degree in school administration from American International College. He also attended the Boston College Lynch Leadership Academy. He lives in Swansea with his wife, who is also a teacher, and their two daughters.

“I am excited and honored to be entrusted with the task of reopening the Westall School,” Principal Leeman said. “As we embark on this new chapter together, I am eager to collaborate with the Westall community to ensure that our school provides a nurturing and inspiring environment for every child.”

The Westall School will reopen this September as a K-5 school charged with educating 300 students. The school, which first opened back in 1908, had been home to the Stone Therapeutic Day School since 2017. The Stone School has relocated to 2501 South Main Street.