Principal Sidell Leaving Hoover School [UPDATE]

Editor's note: This article was updated on Monday, April 9 at 11:08 a.m. with comments from Sidell.

Dr. Dennet Sidell is leaving Melrose after five years as principal of the to take another principal position in Carlisle.

Sidell will become the elementary principal at the Carlisle School, responsible for kindergarten through Grade 5. Superintendent Joe Casey confirmed the move.

"It’s an increase in responsibility and he has an opportunity to work closer to home," Casey said. "We thank Dr. Sidell for his hard work on behalf of the students of Melrose and we wish him well as he takes on the next challenge of working in Carlisle."

Sidell said in addition to his K-5 duties, he'll also be in charge of discipline for grades K-8 at the Carlisle School. Family considerations were a primary factor, he said, in making the move.

"It’s 11 minutes from my house—my family situation has changed where there was a lot more stress on my wife," he said. "It’s difficult being here so many evenings because I can’t go home in between ... I love the Hoover, I love working here and what we’ve done together, but I needed to start thinking a little bit more about my family and being home a little more because I have young kids."

Sidell started as the principal of the Hoover School in the 2007-2008 school year, taking over for former principal Greg Landry, who had left to take a principal job in North Andover closer to his home, according to the Melrose Free Press.