Derby High School Principal Fran Thompson is leaving his position to become principal at Jonathan Law High School in Milford.
Thompson was principal at Derby for three years. He is scheduled to start at Jonathan Law Aug. 1.
In his short tenure in Derby, he managed to get a handle on safety issues at the school and guide the school through its accreditation review by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
In addition, Derby Superintendent Stephen Tracy said Thompson:
- Instituted a student advisory program to ensure that every student had some personal contact each month in a small group with a member of the school staff
- Brought two student/staff musical productions to the DHS stage (spring of 2009 and 2010)
- Devoted particular attention to the screening and recommendation of candidates for faculty positions
- Helped the athletic department’s move to the Naugatuck Valley League (NVL)
“Fran Thompson has worked tirelessly to improve the climate for learning and the quality of instruction at Derby High School,” Tracy said in a prepared statement. “Our high school has certainly changed for the better during his tenure. We thank him for his many contributions to our city and wish him well as he takes on this new opportunity in Milford.”
Milford Public School officials said Thompson was one of seven finalists for the job.
“Mr. Thompson brings a breadth of experience, having served as a leader in both Madison and Derby,” said Milford Superintendent Elizabeth Feser. “He has developed a culture of collaboration among staff and was a catalyst for significant curriculum improvement. He knows high schools and what is needed to build a culture that embraces all students while setting high expectations for learning.”
Derby school officials will begin meeting next week to begin the hunt for a new principal.
Before arriving in Derby, Thompson served as assistant principal at Daniel Hand High School in Madison from 2003 to 2008.
Prior to that, he was an English teacher at Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury.
He is 41 years old.
“The (School) Board appreciates the efforts that Mr. Thompson has made on behalf of Derby’s young people,” Derby School Board Chairman Ken Marcucio said in a prepared statement. “I am confident that Milford will benefit from the same enthusiasm and energy that he demonstrated in Derby.”
When reached for comment Tuesday, Thompson said any accomplishments at Derby High School — such as solving safety problems at the school — were a group effort.
“We moved mountains at that school. There were some major changes, but it was because everybody — students, parents, faculty, the superintendent, the board of education — were all on the same page. Everyone wanted a safe, academically successful climate. The students wanted it, the parents wanted it and the faculty made it happen. I was just a steward,” Thompson said.
