August 3, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
After reviewing 11 applications and interviewing seven candidates, Dr. Amanda Donovan has been named interim principal of East Elementary School effective Aug. 2, Asst. Supt. of Schools Jamie LaBillois -- who served as chair of the East Interim Principal Search Committee -- announced today in a letter to the school community.
Donovan -- who served as assistant principal of the Foster Elementary School North Campus before stepping into this role -- will replace former East School Principal Anthony Keady, who resigned recently to accept a position with the Duxbury Public Schools.
Donovan began her career as both a substitute teacher and special education aide at the Hatherly Elementary School in Scituate.
She started her career with the Hingham Public Schools as a grade 4 teacher at Plymouth River Elementary School in 2005.
In 2009, Donovan became a founding grade 5 teacher at East School, serving as lead teacher from 2009-2013. In 2016, Donovan transitioned from grade 5 to the Library and Media Center at East and served in that role until her appointment as Assistant Principal of the North Campus of Foster Elementary School in January 2021.
Donovan holds a Bachelor of Communications Degree from Boston College, a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree from Simmons College, and a Doctor of Education Degree from Northeastern University.
She also holds current certification from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a Principal/Assistant Principal (PK-6), Elementary Education (1-6) and Library (All Levels).
More important than her professional experience and training, however, are the personal and professional qualities that Donovan brings to the position, LaBillois said.
"Through reference checking with past and present colleagues, parents and supervisors and time spent throughout the interview process, it is quite apparent that Dr. Donovan is the perfect fit to lead East Elementary for the 2021-2022 academic year," LaBillois said. "She is passionate about students, their learning, and achievement."
LaBillois also noted that Donovan is focused on maintaining and building upon the strong East School community of staff, students, and parents "and will be able to provide a strong sense of consistency and continuity to the East School community."
LaBillois also commended Donovan for her deep sense of purpose, "tempered by an unflappable professional presentation. Those qualities, coupled with the dedicated and talented faculty and staff, wonderful students, and supportive parents that already exist at East Elementary School make for a winning combination in the year ahead," he said.
LaBillois expressed appreciation for all who assisted with the interim search process. "Their input, wise counsel, and commitment to East Elementary School are much valued, respected, and needed," he said.
Donovan, who will reach out to East School families to announce opportunities to meet her in person at East School before the start of the upcoming academic year, may be reached via email at adonovan@hinghamchools.org.