Former Needham School Official to Serve as Interim Assistant Principal in Westwood

Dr. Leo Hogan had no intention of coming out of retirement after his 10-year stint as Assistant Principal at Needham High School. But when he met with and new Dean of Students Katie Ricard about taking an interim position, he had a change of heart.

“I’ve been having a wonderful experience this past year," Hogan said of his retirement. "I joined a singing group, took classes at Regis College and went to the gym every day before noon. It’s a nice life.”

He added, “When I was asked if I’d be interested in an interim position, I agreed to meet with (Bevan) and (Ricard). During and after the meeting, I felt very energized about this opportunity. I think that I can contribute to a successful transition of administrative leadership by being a part by being a part of this new team.”

Hogan, a proud father of five grandchildren, most recently served as the Assistant Principal at Needham High School between 1999 and 2010. He will serve as Westwood's Interim Assistant Principal for the 2011-2012 School Year.

In a letter sent to his staff, Bevan wrote that he was pleased of Hogan's decision to come out of retirement.

“Dr. Hogan’s most obvious strength is his experience,” Bevan told Westwood Patch.

Hogan has been in education for nearly four decades, with about 20 years of administrative experience. He began his teaching career at Sacred Heart High School in Weymouth, where he taught Social Studies.

He then earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Bridgewater State College, and later served as a Guidance Counselor at Cathedral High School in Boston, as well as schools in Greece and Taiwan. Hogan also has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University.

Hogan was able to meet some of 's teachers and staff at a meet-and-greet that was organized by Bevan. He was also able to meet several students, but said that he'll have a chance to meet more during a morning event that is being scheduled for September, when people can meet all the new members of the administrative team.

“I know that students and faculty alike will find him warm and engaging,” said Bevan. “Also, as I begin the process again of hiring for the position permanently, I can rely on Dr. Hogan as a sounding board, someone I can ask for input.”

The initial step in the selection process for the permanent position, according to Began, was to elicit feedback from staff. The written feedback gave solid information about the qualities the staff expects of the next Assistant Principal.

Bevan explained that the search process generated many candidates, but there was no perfect fit. He said that it became clear that a search needed to be continued, and that they were fortunate enough to have Hogan willing to come on in an interim position.

“I feel very lucky to be bringing Dr. Hogan on board,” said Bevan. “Ms. Ricard and I both are confident that his combination of experience and warmth will serve the school well. I think we will both learn a great deal from him.”

When asked what he liked about Westwood High School, Hogan said that he actually liked everything, nothing that it is smaller than Needham High School where he last worked. As such, he said that he will be able to make more personal connections with students, staff and parents. He said that Westwood has been a very welcoming place.

“I have been a teacher, counselor, guidance director and assistant principal for 37 years,” Hogan said. “Experience is a great teacher. Hopefully, I've learned from my own mistakes and will be able to impart some of the wisdom I have gained over those years to help make an already outstanding organization even better. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to grow as a person before I resume retirement in another year. Go Wolverines!”