WINDHAM - Windham High School's award-winning principal will leave the district at year's end, school officials have confirmed.

Tom Murphy, recently named Principal of the Year by the state Association of Principals, announced this week that he has accepted the principal position at Billerica Memorial High School - his alma mater as well as a former employer.

Murphy's resignation is effective July 1. Contacted Wednesday morning, Murphy, who used to teach history courses at the Massachusetts high school prior to his administrative career, said his decision to leave Windham's new high school after just three years has been bittersweet.

"I'm leaving with mixed emotions," said Murphy, whose career spans more than two decades. "There is only one place I would have considered leaving for and that is my home district (Billerica, Mass.)."

Murphy added that he feels "truly blessed to have worked with such a dedicated faculty and an amazing group of students and parents committed to creating an exceptional school."

"Through their efforts and support we have accomplished much in a short period of time," Murphy said. "Windham High School is a beautiful building, but it will continue to be an exceptional place because of the teachers in the classrooms and their commitment to their students."

In early January, the New Hampshire Association of School Principals honored Murphy when he was named the state's Principal of the Year.

"He's a leader in academics and he relates well to the kids, who view him as a respected friend," school board member Bruce Anderson said at the time.