Essex Tech Names New Assistant Superintendent/Principal

DANVERS, MA — Essex Tech has named a former North Shore Technical High teacher and longtime educator and administrator Shannon B. Donnelly as its new assistant superintendent and principal.

Donnelly's appointment will be effective on July 1, 2025.

Donnelly has more than 25 years of experience in education, including 15 in the district. She was also an assistant principal, admissions coordinator, interim principal and principal after the merger of Essex Aggie and North Shore Tech.

"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," Donnelly said.

Superintendent Heidi Riccio said: "Ms. Donnelly has been instrumental in the growth and development of our staff, students, and the entire Essex Tech community. 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 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.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)