George Tanner: Joining the Staples staff. Mike Schneider for WestportNow.comBy Mike Schneider
George Tanner started his job today as the new interim assistant principal for the remainder of the school year at Westport’s Staples High School.
He fills the vacancy left by Richard Franzis, who was called to active military service earlier this month (See WestportNow Jan. 9), and will work with the sophomore class.
Tanner, 61, retired last October after 38 years at Derby High School, where he was a teacher, coach and assistant principal.
He said he looks forward to his time at Staples and cited the school’s “stellar” academic reputation.
“Learning is the predominate aspect of the school—and I like that,” he said.
Tanner said he already feels at home at Staples.
“The welcome has been so warm that I feel like I’ve already been working here for 10 years,” he said.
Staples Principal John Dodig said Tanner is a “jack of all trades” with a reputation for students and teachers liking him.
Franzis’ position will be filled by Tanner in the short-term before someone can be hired on a long-term basis, he said.
An interview committee consisting of administrators, students, and teachers will choose a long-term interim replacement for Franzis at the end of March.
The replacement will begin on July 1 and work until Franzis returns from 18 months of active duty.
