Belchertown vice principal taking job in South Hadley 

BELCHERTOWN — Bruce Hastings, Belchertown High School’s assistant principal, dean of students and athletic director, will end his tenure at the school this week to become an assistant principal in South Hadley.

Friday will be Hastings’ last day in Belchertown, and he will begin his position at the Michael E. Smith Middle School on Tuesday.

Hastings called Belchertown a “great place,” but said that his upcoming position in South Hadley is more in line with his career goals.

“I want to be an administrator, and I really enjoy middle school,” Hastings said. “I taught in middle school in Westfield for many years, and I’ve always wanted to get back to it.”

Belchertown High School has hired an interim athletic director, Jennifer Gouvin, and the school is currently interviewing to find a new assistant principal, according to Hastings.

Hastings said that he accepted the position at Michael E. Smith around Thanksgiving. He has been with Belchertown High School for four years, where he started as dean of students and athletic director before adding the assistant principal role after a previous administrator left.

“I’m excited to be (at South Hadley) and sad to leave Belchertown,” Hastings said. “I love Belchertown, but this was a good career opportunity for me, I think.”