Oak Bluffs school principal Jack Rizzo has announced his resignation, effective Dec. 23, according to superintendent of schools Matthew D’Andrea. Mr. Rizzo moved to Martha’s Vineyard to take the position, which comes with a $120,000 per year salary, six months ago.

Megan Farrell, administrator for curriculum and support who has worked in the Island school system for 18 years, will step in as the interim school principal.

“Timing is always a challenge when you change leadership in a building, whether it’s in the middle of the year, or over the summer,” Mr. D’Andrea said. “What’s most important is the individual you have moving into the position. I have a tremendous amount of respect and confidence in Megan.”

Mr. Rizzo previously served as the head of school at St. Theresa School in Honolulu, Hawaii, before moving to serve as principal at the Milton Bradley School in Springfield. He has a master’s degree in education from Westfield State College and received his doctorate of education in 2004 from the University of Massachusetts. He was not immediately available for comment.

Mr. D’Andrea informed parents of the resignation in a letter dated Dec. 22.

“Dr. Rizzo had hoped that he might settle on the Vineyard with his wife and be closer to family in New England,” Mr. D’Andrea wrote. “Unfortunately for our community, that will not be the case. Dr. Rizzo’s wife is unable to join him on the Vineyard so Dr. Rizzo will return to Hawaii where he will be most happy. I understand his need to return and feel only fondness towards Dr. Rizzo.”

Mr. D’Andrea said he has not yet decided on a plan for hiring a principal to the position permanently.

“I haven’t really decided exactly what that’s going to look like,” Mr. D’Andrea said. “We’ll probably have to do a search.”