Dedham Offers Framingham High Principal Its Superintendent Post

Originally posted at 3 a.m. Updated at 6:55 a.m. with statement from Welch.

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The Dedham School Committee unanimously voted to offer the Dedham Superintendent position to Framingham High School Principal Michael Welch.

Welch, a Framingham resident, has been principal at Framingham High since 2005.

Welch, who has always been good at communicating with parents, sent an email to them this morning about the job offer.

"Late last night I received a phone call from the Dedham Search Committee consultant notifying me that I had been selected as their choice for the position of superintendent of schools.  I am very flattered to receive such an endorsement," wrote Welch. "The next step in the process is to enter into negotiations in an attempt to reach an agreement on a contract.  I am not sure how long this process will take, but I expect it to begin next week.  The position has an expected start date of July 1."

Welch added, "I am humbled and very appreciative of the support I have received from all of you throughout this lengthy process.  I will do my best to keep everyone informed of next steps."

There were 33 applicants for the position, and according to Dedham administration nearly half of the applicants were experienced superintendents. Welch was one of three finalists for the position. 

On Wednesday night, Welch learned he did not get the Westborough School Superintendent post. Weston Public Schools Assistant Supt. Amber Bock was unanimously offered the position.

When Welch announced to staff and parents he was a finalist for a superintendent post he wrote, "While I love Framingham High School and my current job as principal, the opportunity to provide leadership to an entire district at this point in my professional career and personal life is very appealing to me..."

Welch is the second principal to leave the district this month. Walsh Principal Teresa Carney is leaving at the end of the year.

Framingham Public Schools could be looking for three principals, as a leadership change may be announced at Stapleton Elementary School today, too.

Last school year, Framingham Public Schools replaced four principals - Fuller Middle, Cameron Middle, Stapleton Elementary and Wilson Elementary.

The district's top leader - Superintendent Stacy Scott - is also fairly newly. He was hired in 2012, and will have been on the job for two years as of July.