DANVERS — Essex Tech North Shore Agricultural & Technical School District (ENSATSD) has announced that Shannon B. Donnelly has been appointed assistant superintendent/principal. Donnelly will step into her new role on July 1, 2025.
The ENSATSD School Committee has expressed confidence in her leadership.
“I speak for the entire ENSATSD School Committee when I say, ’well done and congratulations,’ to Assistant Superintendent/Principal Shannon Donnelly. We certainly look forward to continued collaboration and success by the ENSATSD administration, faculty, and staff,” Mark Strout, chairperson of the committee, said.
With more than 25 years of dedicated service in education, including 15 in this district, Donnelly brings a wealth of experience and a passion for student success to her new position. She was a respected educator at North Shore Technical High School. Her leadership roles after the North Shore Tech and Essex Agricultural Schools merger include assistant rincipal, admissions coordinator, interim principal, and principal. She played a pivotal role in the development of the school’s structure, ensuring a smooth transition into the new Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School. Her dedication to student success and her deep understanding of agricultural, vocational, and technical education make her an invaluable asset to the Essex Tech community.
“I am honored to be named assistant superintendent/principal of Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School,” Donnelly said. “I am committed to working closely with our administrative team and staff to ensure that our students continue to receive the highest-quality vocational education. I am grateful to the Essex North Shore School Committee and Superintendent Riccio for this opportunity.”
Superintendent Dr. Heidi Riccio expressed her enthusiasm for Donnelly’s appointment:
“Ms. Donnelly has been instrumental in the growth and development of our staff, students, and the entire Essex Tech community,” Riccio said. “We started our roles together seven years ago, and I am thrilled to have her by my side as my closest partner in education. She is thoughtful, bright, innovative, and has the deep respect of her staff.”
Donnelly’s strong educational background, coupled with her passion for student success, makes her an ideal fit for this position. Her expertise in biology and her leadership experience will undoubtedly benefit Essex Tech and its students.
Donnelly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Arts in teaching in biology from Salem State University. She is a licensed principal/assistant principal and vocational-technical principal/assistant principal.
