Michael Cipolla, the new superintendent of Westfield Academy and Central School, is pictured last week meeting with members of the community. Cipolla replaced David Davison, who retired as superintendent after seven years. Photo by David Prenatt

WESTFIELD — Michael Cipolla has barely begun his work as the new superintendent of Westfield Academy and Central School, but teachers, students, staff and community members have gone out of their way to welcome him.

“This first week, the welcome from parents and students and staff has been super positive,” Cipolla said. “I think what has really been the most impressive was on Monday, as I went through the halls, I was amazed at how there was such a positive energy here.”

That energy was evident at a reception for Cipolla on Thursday organized by the WACS Parent Connection. A “steady stream” of area residents attended the reception to introduce themselves to the new superintendent and make him feel at home. Also present at the reception was Cipolla’s wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, Nicolas, Anthony and Olivia.

Cipolla was chosen to succeed David Davison, who retired after seven years at the helm of Westfield. The search for a new superintendent involved teachers, staff, community members and even students.

“I think he is a wonderful fit for our district,” said Celia Molitor, Parent Connection member, who was also a member of the parent committee for the superintendent search. “He is a good listener with a good perspective in education. The students come first for him.”

Thomas Vitale, director of the Patterson Library in Westfield, came to the reception to make his own connection. “Mr. Cipolla seems like he is going to fit in very nicely,” he said. “We are definitely looking forward to working with him.”

The library has a strong relationship with the school district, Vitale said. In addition to offering tutoring for students after school using the district’s data base, the library participates in the school’s technology committee and promotes its student programming through the school, he said.

Wendy Dyment, a member of the school board, also emphasized how she felt Cipolla was a great choice to become the next superintendent.

“I think Mr. Cipolla is going to be a great fit for our district, He exudes warmth and caring, and he listens, which is an important thing for any administrator,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working with him.

Dyment was also on the search committee which chose Cipolla. “Once the interview process was completed and Mr. Cipolla was announced, I heard a lot of positive feedback throughout the district,” she said.

Jenny Montalbanc, a member of Parent Connection, said that people were waiting at the door when the reception began.

“We had people here right at 4:30,” she said. “Certainly change can be hard, but I also look at it as an opportunity.”

Cipolla said his first priority would be to get to know the students, staff and community members.

“It’s gong to be a lot of work,” he said. “My greatest ‘aha’ moment this week was to realize what a great student body, teachers and staff we have.”