Following a three-year reign as Dartmouth High School principal, John Gould will step down at the end of the 2016-2017 school year to spend more time with his own children.

The Medway resident said that commuting an hour both to and from the high school each day takes a toll on his ability to be with wife, Laura, and two children, Mary Kate and Jack.

“This was a tough decision for me. It’s a dream job, but I have to think of my family as well,” Gould said.

Gould began thinking over his future in Dartmouth during the holiday season, when he was able to catch one of Mary Kate’s basketball games. She had recently made the varsity team, and in the game Gould attended, she scored 10 points.

He decided the commute, alongside frequent night and weekend hours, are no longer worth missing out on family time.

Under Gould’s leadership – and through the tireless effort of his dedicated faculty and staff – the high school made a number of major changes. He worked with other administrators and faculty members to overhaul the school’s Response to Intervention (RTI) program for at-risk students, and helped implement the faculty-driven Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, which rewards good behavior.

Under his tenure, he’s also expanded the unified sports program, which introduces students in the school’s special education program to other students via an intramural sports program. He’s currently working with staff to make changes to the school schedule, including adding common planning times, advisory periods, and year-long classes.

Gould also served as principal as current Superintendent Bonny Gifford took over for interim superintendent Mike Shea in 2015.

"I provided leadership at a time when the district and the high school needed it," Gould said.

Gifford said a job posting is being drafted, and she will form a committee composed of parents, teachers, and administrators to vet potential candidates. She expects to have a final candidate by the end of March.

While he does not have a job lined up yet, he said he does have an interest in teaching at the college level or doing consulting work.

Gould will remain on the job until June 30.