TAUNTON – Superintendent John Cabral is pleased to announce that Interim Prinicipal Scott Holcomb has officially been appointed as Taunton High School’s next principal.
Holcomb will assume the full-time position effective immediately. He has been serving as the interim principal of Taunton High School since Aug. 1.
“In the brief period of time that Scott has served our district, we have received numerous reports from staff, students and community members alike praising his work within the high school and the relationships he’s built thus far with our community members,” Superintendent Cabral said. “With such glowing feedback, it became apparent to us that we did not need to look any further than Scott for a candidate for the full-time position. We are looking forward to the ways in which he will continue to improve upon our school and the relationships he will continue to foster and grow.”
Since joining the Taunton Public Schools, Principal Holcomb already has numerous accomplishments including expanding dual enrollment opportunities for students through the Early College Consortium, the implementation of new math and science curricula, the expansion of Junior Achievement programs such as The Company and more.
Since September, dual enrollment offerings for students were increased by 50% at Taunton High School for students in grades 10-12. Through the Early College Consortium, the school offered 14 dual enrollment classes during the Fall semester that allowed THS students to earn college credits and a college transcript while taking these classes.
“I’ve greatly enjoyed Scott’s collaborative nature while supporting and implementing our strategic plan. His focus on curriculum and instruction has been noticeable as he is very student-centered and has the ability to see the entire picture and how all the pieces come together. He’s truly been a tremendous addition to our school system and administrative team.”
Dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure school environment, Principal Holcomb has also advanced several safety and security measures, including implementing a new hall pass policy, implementing student and staff IDs, upgrading internal communication systems and hiring additional security personnel.
Under Mr. Holcomb’s leadership, the high school has also developed the Student Leadership Summit which meets Friday mornings before school starts, facilitated student voter registration and voter pre-registration, applied and received a Safe and Supportive Schools Grant and the Teacher Diversification Program Grant, and increased community awareness through the use of a Twitter campaign highlighting positive news throughout the school and a comprehensive THS newsletter.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue the work I have started this fall semester at Taunton High School alongside our staff members and students,” Principal Holcomb said. “The THS community has been extremely welcoming so far and has assisted me greatly in my transition, and I look forward to continuing to grow the partnerships I’ve created so far with staff, families and students to continue to provide community members with the best possible experience with THS.”
Holcomb brings to the district approximately 14 years of administrative experience, most recently serving as the superintendent of North Attleboro Public Schools. He has also worked as the assistant superintendent and high school principal at North Attleboro Public Schools and as a high school assistant principal at Seekonk Public Schools.
Additionally, he has worked as an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University and as a science teacher at Hopkinton and Bellingham high schools. In total, Holcomb has 25 years of experience in education.
Holcomb holds a Certificate of Advanced Educational Specialization in Administration from Boston College, a masters degree in teaching and a bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry from Bridgewater State University. He is also taking classes at the University of New England to obtain his Doctor of Education and is certified as a superintendent/assistant superintendent, business manager and principal/assistant principal for high schools.
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