Dutch Named New Monomoy Middle School Principal

CHATHAM – Dr. Sean Dutch, the assistant principal at Monomoy Regional Middle School since 2023, was named the school’s new principal last week by Superintendent Robin Millen.

 “I am confident he will not only continue the great work being done at Monomoy Middle School but will lead the school community to even greater heights,” Millen said in a statement.

 Dutch was chosen from a three-person field of applicants for the position, which was left open when principal Abbey Dudley took a job with the Barnstable school district.

 “It feels great,” Dutch said about his new position. Dudley allowed him many opportunities as assistant principal that he said helped prepare him to take on the school’s top role. “I feel very settled in the move,” he said.

 Dutch began his new position on Sept. 3, the day classes resumed. The opening of the middle school was delayed two days because of work on the building.

 “It was great to have them back in the building,” he said of students returning to the halls and classrooms. “Kids are the life of the building.”

 Dutch received a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration from Saint John’s University, a master’s degree in special education from Endicott College and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of New England. He previously worked as a special education teacher at Brockton High School.

 Following interviews with the finalists and feedback from the school and general community, it was clear that Dutch was the favorite, Millen said.

 “Throughout this process, it became clear that Dr. Dutch was the right choice to lead Monomoy Middle School,” she said. “In reviewing feedback from the screening committee and from meet-and-greet attendees, he was described as being passionate, student-focused, approachable, responsive, and dedicated.”

 In a telephone interview, Dutch said he doesn’t expect to make any “big changes” to the school’s operations.

 “It’s not something where you come in and make wholesale changes,” he said. “There are always changes and growth to be made. If we’re just standing still, we’re going backwards.”

 Perhaps the biggest immediate challenge is minimizing disruption due to the construction going on at the Crowell Road school. Replacement of windows, siding and trim is mostly complete, and some interior work is being done to mitigate mold and moisture. None of that work will take place during hours students are in the building, Dutch said.