Leadership
Mr. Joshua Otlin, Principal
Mr. Otlin joined Milford High School as Principal in July of 2017. Mr. Otlin attended the Milford Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in the Class of 1996. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Middlebury College, where he also completed his student-teaching with the 2001 National Teacher of the Year at Middlebury Union High School. Immediately after graduating from college, he went on to teach social studies in Longmeadow, Massachusetts for one year before returning to live in Milford and work at Hudson High School from 2001-2016. While at Hudson, Mr. Otlin first served as a social studies teacher and later as an assistant principal for 7 years. During that period, Mr. Otlin was awarded a James Madison Memorial Foundation Scholarship and completed his Master of Arts in Political Science at Northeastern University, and then earned his principal’s license through the Center for Collaborative Education's Principal Residency Network. Mr. Otlin also earned an Ed.D in Curriculum, Teaching, and Leadership at Northeastern University in 2024. Mr. Otlin has served as a consultant and curriculum writer for various organizations and has traveled across the United States and Europe to present to teachers, administrators, and policy-makers.
Mr. William Chaplin, Associate Principal
My name is Bill Chaplin and I am honored and privileged to serve as the Associate Principal of Milford High School. I am happy to welcome you and your student to Milford High School. As a past graduate of MHS (Class of 1985), I know first hand what an exceptional community Milford is to grow up in and the outstanding academic and extracurricular programs that are offered within the high school experience at MHS for all of our students. Our school community at MHS is centered on the collective responsibility as educators to ensure the success of every single student. Success that includes the development of the whole student as a "future ready" graduate with skills to be innovative, creative, resilient, inclusive, and civically-minded global citizens. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your high school journey.
For the past 15 years, my career has shifted into the field of Educational Leadership within the Massachusetts public schools. Prior to this, I spent many years as an established Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in private practice, and as the Director of two Community Mental Health Clinics in Central Massachusetts.
In 2012, I completed my second Master's Degree and, as a result, I have added a Master's of Education in Organizational Management in Educational Leadership to my educational background. Over the last twelve years as a building-based leader, I have developed my ability to lead by example and help both teachers and students make improvements using research-based curriculum and interventions. My clinical background has enhanced my ability to develop and create a positive school culture, complete frequent data analysis to include equity audits, and establish support for teachers to improve their professional practice. An essential part of school culture is inclusive practice. As an educational leader, I have led many initiatives that have improved the school’s inclusive instruction and support models. I collaborate at both the building and district levels by setting high expectations via data-driven goals that foster improvements in quality of life for all involved in the educational process. These collaborative efforts with my staff have resulted in numerous school advancements, awards, student and community improvements, as well as the recruitment and attainment of highly qualified and effective staff.
Beyond my experience and education, I possess core values which are critical in our public schools. First, providing the best education for ALL students should always drive decision-making. Secondly, relationships at all levels are built on integrity and trust, and that trust is earned through respecting all stakeholders. Thirdly, being an educational leader today takes more than leadership skills, it takes unwavering determination.
I'm an active member of my community in coaching youth sports, being a past active member of the Blackstone Finance Committee, and served a 4-year elected term on the Blackstone Millville Regional School Committee from 2014-2017.
During my spare time, l enjoy spending time with my family, kayaking, running, as well as following all aspects of the professional sports in New England and the Green Bay Packers.
William F. Chaplin Jr., M.Ed, LICSW
Associate Principal
Pronouns: He/Him/His (WHY?)
"Excellence is simply defined by our efforts to be better every day" - Dr. Adolph Brown
Mrs. Jessica Zaleski, Assistant Principal
A Greeting from the Assistant Principal
Hello! My name is Jessica Zaleski, and I’m honored to serve Milford High School as the Assistant Principal of House A. It is a unique privilege to work with adolescents, and my goal is to increase the opportunities for our students and minimize the obstacles that they face. High school should be a time of tremendous growth, exploration, and self-actualization, and I’m honored to support students in this process. To that end, I encourage our students to get involved in the many activities and offerings at MHS. Thinking back on my own high school experience, some of my best memories were outside of the classroom–in band and chorus, playing field hockey and softball, and participating in various student groups. I look forward to connecting with you this school year to learn more about how I can support you to achieve your high school and post-secondary goals.
About Mrs. Zaleski
Mrs. Zaleski comes to Milford from the Worcester Public Schools, where she served as an ESL teacher and department head. Mrs. Zaleski has worked with multilingual learners of all proficiency levels through a variety of English language development courses as well as co-teaching biology and geometry. Through her work as department head, Mrs. Zaleski was responsible for ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements for English learner instruction and scheduling. She was frequently called upon to provide coaching and support for the content teachers in her building, and served as a new teacher mentor for several years.
Mrs. Zaleski has a strong interest in educational technology, and in 2019, she was selected to participate in an Innovative Teacher Leader cohort to pursue certification as a Google Educator and Trainer. In 2020 and 2021, she helped support her colleagues through the transition to remote learning, leading countless PD and coaching sessions. In 2022, she was selected to serve as a site lead for training as the district implemented a new student information system.
Mrs. Zaleski earned a Bachelor of Arts in History & Secondary Education from Gordon College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership & Management from Fitchburg State University. She lives in Grafton with her family.
Mr. Rich Piergustavo, Assistant Principal
My name is Rich Piergustavo and I am a proud member of the Milford High School class of 1983. I began my career in education in 1998 as a Social Studies teacher at Hopedale Junior-Senior High School. As I continued to serve as a member of the faculty, I eventually became the Dean of Students and Athletic Director. In July of 2008, I became the Athletic Director at Milford High School. I held this position for six years and in July of 2014 I became the Assistant Principal for House B.
Milford High School is a special place. We have been able to hold on to some important traditional values as we have evolved into the quarter mark of the 21st century. Students at Milford High School are the beneficiaries of some great educators. Our school community is tolerant, caring and supportive. We are all on the same team and we are in this together! Go Scarlet Hawks!!!
Mr. Steven Divitto, Dean of Students
My name is Steve DiVitto, and I am honored to serve as Dean of Students at the High School where I attended. As a proud MHS graduate of the class of 2003, and born and raised in Milford, I am well aware of the pride our community has. We are extremely fortunate to live in a community where our students are the main focus each and everyday. Our educators care deeply for each of their students, and it shows on a day to day basis. The programs offered through our school continue to expand and are second to none in our area. I am proud to play a small part of the experience at our school as the Dean of Students. Effective two way communication between families and schools play such an imperative role in the success of all involved in the educational process. I am thrilled to be able to partner with our families to ensure the best experience possible for all of our students at Milford High School. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I may be of assistance in any way throughout your time at our school. Go Hawks!
About Mr. DiVitto:
Mr. DiVitto began his career in the classroom as an English Teacher, History teacher and Practical Arts teacher. In 2012, he was the Assistant Coordinator of the Alternative Classroom model called the “Pathways Program” which evolved into a new program in 2018, “Visions.” In 2019, Mr. DiVitto was named Dean of Students at Milford High School. Mr. DiVitto earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications from Assumption College and a Masters in Special Education-Moderate Disabilities from American International College. Mr. DiVitto has been the Varsity Softball coach since 2014, winning the State Championship in 2017 and was named Boston Globe and Hockomock Sports Coach of the Year. Prior to 2014, he was an assistant coach in the Football program and Baseball program. Mr. DiVitto has also been the Milford Legion Baseball Manager since 2014, winning the State Championship in 2014. Mr. DiVitto is an avid Boston Sports fan, and in his spare time loves to be at the pool, beach or on the golf course. Mr DiVitto and his family are proud residents of the town of Milford.