Permanent Assistant Principal Named At Western Middle School

Information via Greenwich Public Schools

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones this week announced the appointment of Erin Montague as assistant principal at Western Middle School. Montague, who has been serving in an interim role since last August, replaced Kerry Gavin, who was appointed principal at Cos Cob School.

WMS is the district's sole magnet middle school, featuring AVID Schoolwide, a global organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap, preparing all students, especially underrepresented students, to be college and career ready.

"I am honored and proud to continue to serve my hometown community as assistant principal of Western Middle School," Montague said in a news release. "I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing community of learners, families, and a dedicated and talented staff. We are so proud of how far Western has come in recent years and have a clear vision for how to continue the good work happening here."

Montague will work closely with newly named principal, Dr. PJ Wax, in organizing and fostering a positive, safe environment that is conducive to best meet the needs of all students, staff, and parents at WMS, the school district said in a news release.

She will continue to hold such responsibilities as leading, directing, and supervising a variety of personnel and programs; creating effective parent, teacher, and child communications; supporting, encouraging, mentoring, and evaluating staff; and fostering teamwork between teachers and among staff and parents.

"Erin Montague has proven to the entire Western Middle School community during this past school year that she is a committed and dedicated school administrator deserving of a more permanent role," Jones said in a news release. "For almost a decade on the staff, she has endeared herself to WMS and it became clear to the interview committee she belongs in this position. We are especially proud of Ms. Montague because she is an alumna of Greenwich Public Schools, graduating from New Lebanon School, WMS, and Greenwich High School."

Prior to being named interim assistant principal, Montague had been at WMS since 2014 as a school counselor, advocating for individual students surrounding academic, personal/social, and post secondary needs. She led a team of teachers in student concern meetings, identifying issues, and creating action and communications plans, was the co-chair and member of the WMS Systems Committee, was the 504 case manager, and the AVID site coordinator.

Montague was named a 2020 Distinguished Teacher and was the district's selection for Connecticut State Department of Education’s 2021 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program.

Montague holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development and family studies from the University of Connecticut, a master’s in school counseling from Fairfield University, an administrator certification from Sacred Heart University, and a sixth year certificate from the University of La Verne.