SWAMPSCOTT — After a decade as an administrator at Swampscott Public Schools, Assistant Principal Frank Kowalski is moving on to the same position at Pentucket Regional High School in West Newbury.
Kowalski, 48, said Thursday was his last day at Swampscott High School — he starts his new position next Tuesday. He said it’s been an emotional time since he found out he got the job early last week.
“It’s been tough,” Kowalski said of saying goodbye to Swampscott. “It’s been a very emotional rollercoaster this week.”
Kowalski was hired in 2007 as the high school’s athletic director and dean of students and was appointed assistant principal in 2010. He served as interim principal from January to June 2016.
Edward Rozmiarek, the former high school principal, resigned in December 2015, following explicit and inappropriate chat activity, as detailed in a report by Beverly Police. Robert Murphy was named principal of the high school last year, after serving in the same position at the middle school.
Before coming to Swampscott, Kowalski spent three years as dean of students at Salem High School. He spent 10 years in Chelsea at the middle school level teaching English and history for nine years and spending a year as dean of students.
Kowalski said part of the emotion has come from thinking about the amount of leaders he’s worked with during his time at the high school, and the amount of people who came and left during his tenure.
He said the administrative turnover at the high school was frustrating and that people would take a job and when it got difficult, they would leave. Kowalski said he loves a challenge — administration is hard but it’s about coming up with the best decisions for the kids.
“For 10 years, I was the only stable thing the kids had,” Kowalski said. “I think that’s important. I didn’t desert the kids when a lot of other people did.”
Kowalski said he moved to North Andover three years ago — convenience and working close to home was a big factor in him leaving for his new position. Being closer to home will allow him to work longer hours and not be obstructed by traveling time, he said.
He said he has loved working in Swampscott, but there’s more growth opportunities for him where he’s headed — he loves being a vice principal, but would like to step up into a principal role someday.
The move also allows him more of an opportunity to spend time with his family — he has been married to his wife, Susan, for 11 years and they have two small children.
He said one of the best things that he got out of his time with Swampscott Public Schools was the experience. Kowalski said he learned a lot, which is going to benefit him at Pentucket.
Kowalski said what he is going to miss most about Swampscott is the passion in town and the kids, including how hard they work. He said he will also miss the friendships he has made. He has enjoyed working for Murphy and wanted to thank him for all of the work he did last year.
Despite how emotional it has been to leave Swampscott, Kowalski said he’s excited to start his new job.
“At the end of the day, as hard as (Thursday) is going to be for me, I’m really excited about moving over to Pentucket. It’s an amazing school … They have great stability and I really look forward to working with those guys.”
Kowalski will be missed in Swampscott.
“Mr. Kowalski has been a valued member of the leadership team, and an asset to Swampscott High School,” said Superintendent Pamela Angelakis in an email. “He brought a dogged work ethic and infectious enthusiasm to every role he filled. We are grateful for his service to Swampscott Schools and students and wish him the best in his new position.”
Angelakis said the assistant principal position has been posted internally at this point. Lytania Mackey also serves as assistant principal at the high school.
Jeffrey Mulqueen, superintendent of Pentucket Regional School District, cited Kowalski’s experience as an administrator and former teacher as reasons for hiring him.
“Mr. Kowalski is cited for his success with school safety procedures, visibility in the community, and supporting the delivery of services to students with exceptionalities,” Mulqueen said in a statement.
