Newton School Principal Jona­than Freeman has submitted his resignation, effective June 30, 2012.

Principal Freeman was initially hired as an interim principal in 2009, after Principal Paul Lowe died from a heart attack at the end of June. Principal Freeman and the school were a good fit and he decid­ed to apply for the position as the replacement Principal in 2010. After an extensive search, he was chosen and he and the school board had at that time anticipated that he would be serving as principal for at least five years.

Unfortunately, Principal Free­man developed heart problems last spring and needed to have an operation, which took him out of service for an extended period of time. While he was able to return this past summer, after much con­sideration he decided that he could no longer work full-time and bal­ance his desire to be a good hus­band, father, and grandfather.

In a message to parents, stu­dents, teachers, staff and commu­nity members, the Strafford School Board expressed its appreciation for his service, citing his “steady guidance, and tireless dedication to our students.”

Both Principal Freeman and the board have said they will work hard to make a smooth transition to the next principal.