Less than two years after being named principal of Hull High School, Michael Knybel will leave his position at the end of the current school year.

“It is with mixed emotions that I share Principal Michael Knybel’s decision not to return for the upcoming school year,” Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn wrote in an email to parents on Friday, May 3. “While we are saddened by his departure, we are grateful for the leadership he has provided in his short tenure at Hull High School. We have, in just a short time, seen improvement in several areas of our high school. His dedication to enhancing curriculum options for the students and faculty alike, facilitating a smooth transition for our eighth graders to Hull High School, and improving overall student outcomes has been instrumental in shaping the future of our students.”

Knybel was hired in June 2022 to replace Principal Nicole Nosek, who resigned to become the assistant principal of Hingham High School. At the time, he was the middle and high school principal in Lenox, and previously served in East Longmeadow, Ware, and Gill-Montague Regional School District, all in western Massachusetts.

The principal earned praise from students and parents during his time in Hull, although in early April, teachers protested outside the school, holding signs critical of Knybel’s leadership.

“My commitment is unwavering: students come first,” Knybel said in a statement after the public demonstration. “It is disheartening to see teachers feeling unsupported and frustrated.”

Kuehn’s email also touted Hull High’s placement as the 78th best statewide in the U.S. News 2024 Best High School rankings.

“We appreciate all that Principal Knybel has contributed and wish him all the best,” said Kuehn, who is retiring next month. “I will be collaborating with [incoming superintendent] Dr. [Michael] Jette to develop a plan to replace Principal Knybel.”

-- Christopher Haraden

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