ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School named April West as the school's principal. This decision is the conclusion of a rigorous four month process that included the input of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students and parents.

 

April West joined the BArT faculty in 2006 as a Humanities and English Language Arts teacher. While at BArT, she initiated an Advanced Placement program and taught AP Language and Composition and AP Literature. She has served in a number of teacher-leader roles and, in her tenure, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the mission of BArT and to BArT's students.

 

West holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bennington College in Social Justice, a Master of Arts in Comparative Studies from Ohio State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in social studies and is currently completing a Certificates Of Advanced Graduate Study in educational leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

 

"Ms. West was an exceptional candidate who has already demonstrated commitment to our school community, a deep understanding of our student population, and an eagerness and ability to drive continued improvement to our curriculum and instruction," said Executive Director Julia Bowen. "I am confident that she will be able to lead our faculty and students to greater achievements."

 

West will start in her new role as principal on July 1. Outgoing principal Ben Klompus is leaving BArT to pursue a doctorate in education at Harvard University.

 

"I'm excited to build on the tremendous success that BArT has achieved over the past five years under the guidance of Principal Klompus," West said. "I know that we have a team in place that will continue to prepare 100 percent of our graduates for college and the workforce and I am honored to lead this effort."