By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
North Attleborough High School Principal Peter Haviland described his recent appointment to the district’s next assistant superintendent as a “natural next step.”
Haviland was chosen out of 59 applicants, and was announced as the new assistant superintendent on April 11. He will succeed Michelle McKeon, who has served as the district’s assistant superintendent since 2019 and recently accepted a position as superintendent of Mansfield’s school district.
Haviland was nominated for the position by Superintendent John Antonucci, then voted on by the School Committee for final approval. He will begin in the new role after the end of the school year.
“I’ve truly loved serving as principal; I honestly thought I’d stay in that role indefinitely,” said Haviland to the North Star Reporter. “However, when the opportunity to become assistant superintendent here in North Attleborough opened up, I felt compelled to pursue it. The idea of having a broader impact across the district—supporting more students, families, and educators—was incredibly inspiring to me.”
In a statement sent out by Antonucci, Haviland was called “a driving force in guiding North Attleborough High School” and credited with creating an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
“Throughout the search process, it was clear just how deeply invested Pete is in the North Attleborough community,” said Antonucci. “Whether he’s working with teachers, students, families or community partners, Pete brings a sense of unity, pride, and shared responsibility to everything he does. These qualities will be instrumental to his success in this new role.”
Haviland has been the high school principal since 2017, after previously serving as principal of Weymouth High School. Haviland has been closely involved with the proposed new high school project and serves on the School Building Committee. He also brings with him years of experience in the realm of education as a previous dean, school committee member, teacher and coach.
When asked what he was most looking forward to as assistant superintendent, Haviland cited supporting and collaborating with students, teachers, families and administrators across the district. Haviland also recognized the momentum that’s been built under Antonucci and McKeon’s leadership, which is something he looks to continue.
“One of my top priorities will be to lead the work that will develop relative to the NAHS Building Project,” said Haviland. “Preparing for a possible transition into a new high school building by the fall of 2028, it will be critical that we align our teaching models and educational practices with the opportunities that a new, modern facility will provide. That work starts now, and I’m eager to help lead it.”
School Committee Chair Tasha Buzzell served as its representative on the search committee for a new assistant superintendent. Buzzell remarked that the nearly 60 applicants is a testament to the positive and exciting things currently happening in North Attleborough.
“Mr. Haviland has been behind innumerable improvements at the high school, and I had no idea just how many until I reviewed his resume,” said Buzzell. “He downplays all of his own abilities and leadership, deflecting and extending gratitude to those with whom he works, both students and staff, in a way that motivates growth, engagement and interest in change.”
Buzzell called the process to nominate Haviland “cooperative and collaborative” and he stood out during the interview with responses that were “nuanced, thorough and able to address multiple perspectives flexibly.”
Haviland’s hiring is currently pending a contract that the School Committee has authorized Buzzell to negotiate and finalize.
In a statement sent to the North Star Reporter by Antonucci, a decision was made to proceed with an interim high school principal for the 2025-26 school year. Additional details about the interim leadership search will be provided in the upcoming weeks. Antonucci said the search for an interim principal should be done by mid-May.
According to Antonucci, “deferring the search will allow us to engage in a thoughtful, community-driven hiring process during the 2025–2026 school year – one that gives us the time and perspective needed to identify the right leader for the next chapter of NAHS.”
When asked to describe the community he gets to continue to work in and have a deeper impact on, Haviland had one word: extraordinary.
“Since day one, I’ve felt a deep sense of pride and gratitude to work in North Attleborough,” said Haviland. “The teachers, staff, students, and families here are second to none. There’s a strong sense of connection and shared purpose across the district, and that’s what makes this work so fulfilling.”