WEST FAIRLEE — Rivendell Interstate School District has hired Loretta Cruz as the new principal of Westshire Elementary School.

Cruz, a resident of South Ryegate, Vt., has served as principal of Newbury Elementary School since 2021. She starts at Westshire, which serves students from Vershire and West Fairlee, on July 1.

The Rivendell district comprises the Vermont towns of Fairlee, Vershire and West Fairlee, and Orford, N.H.

“Throughout her career, Loretta Cruz has worked in rural Vermont schools and has come to feel most at home in these tight-knit, supportive communities,” Rivendell Superintendent Randy Gawel said in a news release announcing Cruz’ hiring.

Cruz has worked in schools for 20 years. The Newbury job was her first principalship.