Southbridge High School Principal Resigns

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Southbridge High School

In an e-mail sent to students, parents, teachers and the high school community last night, Southbridge High School Principal Dr. Andrae Townsel has announced his resignation to accept a new job closer to his hometown in Michigan.

Townsel was named principal of Southbridge High School in May 2016.  His announcement came on the same night as the state-controlled Southbridge School Committee was set to introduce their new receiver, Dr. Jeffrey Villar.

In a message shared on social media, Villar wrote:

“For the past two years, Dr. Andrae Townsel, a Michigan native, has served as principal of Southbridge High School, doing great work aimed at building a stronger school climate, fostering student engagement, and improving student learning.  He has done all this while living more than 600 miles away from his hometown.”

Townsel told Villar,  “I am very sad to leave here. I really fell in love with this place. However, my children never get the opportunity to spend time with their grandparents and cousins outside of annual holidays. I now have an opportunity to focus on my family. That is important. Life is short and time is precious.”

Villar’s statement continued, “I am disappointed that Dr. Townsel is leaving Southbridge, but I hope you will join me in wishing him well as he pursues this unique opportunity near his hometown. He leaves a strong team in place, and we will work together to continue improving Southbridge High School.”

No time frame has been announced as to when Townsel’s last day will be, or who will replace him for the remainder of the school year.