Donvovan Adjusting to Her New Role as Watertown's Interim Assistant Superintendent

Dari Donovan officially moved into the Watertown Public School's administrative offices Monday night, but leaving Lowell School – even just for one year – will be tough.

The School Committee approved Donovan's appointment to serve as assistant superintendent for the 2011-12 school year on Monday. She will be away from the school where she has been principal for the past 6 years.

"To leave Lowell is a big deal," Donovan said. "I am still having separation anxiety."

Interim Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald, who is the assistant superintendent, appointed Donovan to fill the position for the year while school officials search for a new superintendent. Ann Koufman left Watertown at the end of June to take an assistant superintendent position with the Newton Public Schools.

School Committee Chairman Tony Paolillo said he is happy to see Donovan move up into the assistant superintendent position.

"She is a good choice. She is an integral part of the system," Paolillo said. "With this appointment we will be able to continue to move things forward as we are in this change mode."

Donovan said it took some discussion, but she wanted to help the district and Fitzgerald.

"Dr. Fitzgerald is wonderful," Donovan said. "I'd do anything for her."

Lowell will be left in capable hands, Donovan said. Elizabeth Kaplan, a Watertown Middle School science teacher, will serve as Lowell's interim principal for the 2011-12 school year.

"The interim principal is fabulous," Donovan said. "She is impressive, energetic and creative."