Thomas Aubin named new principal of Westport Jr./Sr. High School

WESTPORT — Superintendent Gary Reese is pleased to announce that Thomas Aubin has been named the new principal of Westport Jr./Sr. High School, and will also fill the role of the newly-created assistant superintendent position.

The Westport School Committee voted at its Friday, May 15 meeting to formally create the new assistant superintendent position, and proceeded to appoint Aubin to the role.

Aubin will assume the role, as well as take over as the new principal of Westport Jr./Sr. High School, effective Wednesday, July 1.

“I am extremely honored to have been selected for this new role,” Aubin said. “As a resident of Westport for more than 20 years, I am deeply humbled to be able to serve the Westport Community Schools in this capacity.”

The need for an assistant superintendent has arisen as the district prepares to enter the final stage of the Westport Middle-High School Building Project. Despite the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district is still on track to open the new school in time for the 2021-2022 school year.

“Thomas will be a terrific resource for us, as he brings knowledge and experience that will help us see the project through to its completion,” Westport School Committee Vice Chair Nancy Tavares said. “Having Thomas take the lead on the project will also allow Superintendent Reese to focus more on the day-to-day operations of the school district as a whole.”

Aubin will also oversee the transition of fifth and sixth grade students to the new school. Currently fifth and sixth grade students attend the Westport Elementary School.

Aubin has served as superintendent/director of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District since 2016. He previously served as vocational coordinator for GFRVSD for 13 years, as well as a year as the district’s dean of students.

He also served as the Middleborough High School assistant principal from 2001 to 2002, and has worked in the past with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Aubin earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Fitchburg State College and a bachelor’s degree in history from Southeastern Massachusetts University.

Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, the Bristol County Office of Economic Development and the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce/Education. He was a 1998 recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award from the Diman Administrators Association.

The Westport School Committee considered and interviewed three other candidates before selecting Aubin.

“We feel confident that Thomas will step into this new dual role and help us realize the vision of this new school,” Superintendent Reese said. “I also commend the members of the School Committee for conducting this search and selecting such a strong candidate during these difficult times.”