The School Committee on Thursday voted to fill two administrator positions and welcomed a new high school principal, contingent upon successful contract negotiations. [Editor’s note: This has been updated to clarify that the School Committee does not vote on the principal.]

Superintendent Evan Bishop announced that Amy Davenport would be the next Hopkinton High School principal.

Bishop called Davenport “the right fit” for the job at this time.

Amy Davenport

Davenport began in Westwood Public Schools as an English teacher and was dean of students from 2014-20. Since 2020, she has been principal at Westwood High School.

According to her resume, she earned a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard Business School, a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching from Boston College, and a bachelor’s degree in communications and English from Boston College.

In a press release to the school community Friday, Bishop noted that Davenport “has led a high-performing school with a focus on strong instruction, student support, and building a positive and inclusive school culture. She brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to leadership, with experience strengthening instructional practices, expanding student opportunities, and supporting both academic success and student well-being.”

Added Bishop: “Throughout the process, Ms. Davenport demonstrated a deep appreciation for what makes Hopkinton special and a clear alignment with our district’s values. Her ability to connect with students, staff, and families, combined with her focus on building strong systems and relationships, will serve Hopkinton High School well.”

A native of Pittsburgh, Davenport served on the School Committee in Newton for one year (2023-24) before vacating her seat when she moved out of town.

Justin Pominville has been serving as HHS principal on an interim basis for the past year following Bishop’s promotion to superintendent. Pominville previously was assistant principal at the high school.

Desjardins, Mahr introduced

Helene Desjardins was named the district’s new director of student services, while Cynthia Mahr was appointed director of finance/chief financial officer.

The current director of student services, Jessica Beattie, is returning to Holliston, where she had served for many years before transitioning to Hopkinton last year. The CFO position is comprised of some of the duties done by Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich, who is retiring June 30.

Superintendent Evan Bishop said Desjardins was selected from a pool of 24 applicants and stood out as someone with a deep understanding of the role and a collaborative style.

She has worked in the Northborough/Southborough school district since 2007, starting as a speech language pathologist and holding positions as team chair, assistant director of student services from 2021-25 and director since last year.

Desjardins earned her undergraduate degree from Assumption University in social rehabilitation services and a master’s degree in speech language pathology from Worcester State University.

Bishop noted Mahr brings 30 years of experience in school finance to the CFO position.

He said she has worked in high-performing districts, adding, “I’m excited by what she will bring to the leadership team.”

Mahr most recently has worked as assistant superintendent for finance and operations in Wellesley public schools for approximately eight years and held a similar position in Weston for 12 years.

Her other roles include director of administration and finance for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and past president of the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials.

From Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School, Mahr holds a master of public administration degree. Her bachelor of arts degree in political science is from Hartwick College.

At the last school committee meeting, the superintendent announced that Jeff LaBroad, current assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, would move into the role of assistant superintendent/chief operating officer.

In that position, LaBroad will handle some of Rothermich’s duties, such as overseeing transportation, technology, safety and security, food services, and policy and compliance.

Bishop said LaBroad would continue to mentor new staff members and work on Title VI and IX investigations.

Travel, donation approved

Other action by the committee included:

— Allocation of $67,888 for a contract with Atkinson Carpet and Flooring for 10 classrooms at the middle school. The funding is contingent upon approval of the fiscal year 2027 budget at Town Meeting.

— Approval for the HHS Robotics team to travel to VEX Worlds (competition) in St. Louis from April 20-25 and the Business Professionals of America group to go to Nashville from May 6-10 for the national leadership conference.

— Acceptance of a donation for the high school from Juncus Zhang and Xue Song of a Fender deluxe reverb guitar amplifier valued at $1,025.

— Agreement to install a tray dishwasher at the high school, paid through the food service revolving account.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 9.