New Principal Appointed To Franklin School In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — At a public meeting of the Westfield Board of Education on Tuesday, which was held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Westfield Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Paul Duncan as principal of Franklin Elementary School effective July 1.

Currently, Duncan is assistant principal of Franklin, a position he has held since August 2017.

“I became an educator to make a difference in the world. Working at Franklin has allowed me to impact the daily lives of children and their families, while also helping them to build a better future,” said Duncan. “I pride myself on the relationships we forge while working together as a community. Each interaction is a chance to commit to our collective efforts and create a stronger community for our students to learn and grow.”

Duncan succeeds Dr. Eileen Cambria, who is retiring as of June 30 after 25 years in the Westfield Public School District, 13 of those years as principal at Franklin.

Duncan came to Westfield from the Warren Township School District where he served as a summer school assistant principal and supervisor in 2017 and as a fourth and fifth grade teacher from September 2005 through June 2017.

His journey in education began in 2000 teaching fourth grade in Chicago, followed by two years in Philadelphia elementary schools, also as a fourth grade teacher.

“Dr. Duncan brings nearly 20 years of superb educational knowledge to the role of principal at Franklin School. And, as Franklin’s assistant principal, he knows the school well,” said Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan. “Dr. Duncan emerged as the clear choice during the search committee’s deliberations. I am certain that he will build on his successes as assistant principal to continue Franklin’s tradition of excellence.”

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