New school year finds Agawam educators in new admin. roles

AGAWAM — When Agawam students and staff returned for classes this week, they found some new faces in familiar places at four schools.

There was a change in administrative positions at the high school, Doering Middle School, Granger and Phelps elementary schools The changes are the result of a retirement, a promotion and a resignation.

For the past several years, Hunter also has been part of a team at AHS called Meeting the Moment. Its goal is to better meet the needs of students by promoting equity and removing barriers to learning.

Hunter, who began her teaching career in Springfield in 2010, said she wanted to move from the classroom to an administrative position because she was “inspired” by her work with the Meeting the Moment project. “The assistant principal role allows me the opportunity to support staff, students and families as we continue this work on a more global scale.”

She added that her new role is much different one for her. “I’m sure I will encounter challenges while learning the ins and outs of this new position. But I look forward to working with stakeholders in this new capacity to help students find success.”

Peter Lantaigne is the new assistant principal at Doering Middle School. He fills the position that was vacated by Amber Hall ,who was promoted to academic supervisor in the district for grades 7 to 12.

Lantaigne previously was a vice principal at West Springfield Middle School for four years. He began his teaching career in Granby in 2003 and later moved to Belchertown, teaching English in both districts. His first administrative position was as assistant principal for one year at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School in Palmer.

He left WSMS to seek a position with increased responsibilities. “Agawam has a strong reputation as a district, especially in the way it supports students, staff and families,” said Lantaigne. “Doering also seemed like a school with a strong sense of community — and I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to that while continuing to grow as a school leader.”

Lantaigne added that one of the reasons he applied for the Doering position is that it’s a chance to join a school already doing excellent work. “I wanted to contribute my experience, perspective and leadership in a way that helps sustain and strengthen that success.”

He’s looking forward to getting to know Doering’s students, staff and families. “Everyone in Agawam has been incredibly welcoming. I’m thrilled to be part of the Doering community. I’ve spent my career in education and still enjoy relationships that come with the work. I’m excited about this next chapter and l’m looking forward to being part of Doering for many years,” said Lantaigne.

Former Granger Elementary School Principal Stephanie Gendron moved across town to become the new principal at Phelps Elementary School. She succeeds Andy Villamaino, who resigned to take a position in another district.

Gendron spent 20 years at Granger, first as a grade 4 teacher, then serving as lead teacher for one year until her appointment as principal in 2020. Superintendent Sheila Martin asked Gendron to take the position because she felt her experience could have a positive impact on the school community at Phelps.

After a great deal of thought Gendron said she felt ready for a new challenge and a fresh opportunity. “I have a great deal of trust in Superintendent Martin’s judgment. I’m excited to take on the opportunity,” said Gendron, who began her teaching career as a grade 5 teacher in 2003 in Springfield.

Gendron said leaving Granger was “incredibly difficult” because it had become a second home to her. “The people there truly became like family,” she said. She added that her last day was filled with hugs, tears, and walking the halls that had become so familiar to her during the past 20 years.
“I‘m so proud of what we accomplished together and grateful for the many people who made my time at Granger so special. I’ll carry the relationships and memories from those 20 years with me as I begin this new chapter at Phelps,” she said.

Gendron is looking forward to getting to know the Phelps community and becoming part of the school. “I’m especially excited to work with the Phelps staff, who are close-knit and dedicated educators. They have been incredibly supportive throughout my transition.”

Most of all, she’s looking forward to learning. “I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I’m excited to see what I can bring to Phelps while building on all of the wonderful things that are already happening here.”

Alyse Roy, who replaced Gendron at Granger, was previously lead teacher at Clark Elementary School. Roy said she enjoyed her time at Clark, so leaving was not an easy decision. “Students, staff, and families there taught me so much as a person, educator, mom and helped me grow as a leader. At the same time, I felt ready to take the next step and serve a school community as a principal.”

Her education career began in 2015 as a school-based occupational therapist in Springfield. She later became an occupational therapist in Agawam, supporting students and staff across the district.

In 2024, Roy was appointed lead teacher at Clark. “Although my career began in occupational therapy rather than as a classroom teacher, each role has given me the opportunity to work closely with teachers, students and families — which ultimately led me to school leadership,” she said.
What drew her to Granger was its strong sense of community — people who care deeply about the school and each other. “There are many wonderful things happening here. I’m excited to get to know everyone, build on the work that’s already being done to help Granger continue to grow,” said Roy.

Her experience as a lead teacher showed Roy how important it is to listen before making a decision and to remember that there’s usually more to a situation than what it appears to be at first. “It also taught me that relationships are at the center of this work. I love people and designing systems that help others become the best versions of themselves.”

To become familiar with Granger students, Roy has been looking at a yearbook every day to match names to faces. “I can’t wait to get to know students who I’ve seen on the yearbook pages. I’m also looking forward to working with the staff and families.”

Roy said her biggest challenge will be developing a work-life and family rhythm.” I want to be the kind of leader who works hard and is there when people need me, but I also want to model something I hope our staff feels permission to do, such as having a full life outside of school.”