Lawrence retiring, Uminski to take reins of Oakmont this summer
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

Ashburnham-Westminster Superintendent Michael Zapantis formally announced the upcoming retirement of Oakmont Principal Jeff Lawrence at the school committee meeting on Jan. 23.

Lawrence has served as principal for two years since the retirement of long-time principal William Waight II in June 2005. With the announcement of Lawrence's retirement, Zapantis also announced the promotion of Assistant Principal David Uminski to the position.

"It's an important change for Oakmont," Zapantis said.

Lawrence, who will retire at the end of the school year, has been a teacher, a coach and an administrator at Oakmont for 38 years.

The superintendent said he has conducted a series of informal interviews with Uminski over the last few months.

In a written statement Zapantis said, "Mr. Uminski understands that a principal leader must be fair, but firm, they must be respected and respectful and must move people along without leaving them behind."

Uminski, who is the town moderator in Ashburnham, spent 19 years as a history teacher at Oakmont before assuming the role of assistant principal.

"I still think of myself as a classroom teacher," Uminski said after the announcement. Uminski said he's excited about the new role. "I'm looking forward to the challenge," he said. "I'm inheriting an excellent school." He said the goal is to maintain the solid academic results as well as work to improve them.