Interim Mansfield High School Principal Named

MANSFIELD, MA — Soon to be Superintendent Teresa Murphy didn't have to look far for the person who will be the principal at Mansfield High School this fall.

Murphy announced Tuesday night that Associate Principal Mary Watkins will serve as the interim principal for the 2017-18 school year. A search for the permanent successor of Michael Connolly will take place later this year.

Watkins came to Mansfield in 2003 as a social studies teacher and previously worked as an assistant principal at the high school before her promotion to associate principal. She holds two master's degrees in educational administration from Providence College and teaching from Boston University. She earned her bachelor's degree in history and art from Vanderbilt University.

"I can’t tell you how many times people have commented to me about the different aspects she was able to bring to the team as associate principal," Murphy said. "I think she’ll bring a lot of ideas to the high school. We have a strong school that has been under steady leadership."

Watkins replaces Connolly, who was recently promoted to assistant superintendent.

Image Credit: Dan Libon