The Gorham School Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Quinton Donahue as the principal at Gorham Middle School (GMS). Donahue most recently served as the principal at Mount View Middle School in Thorndike, Maine, where he has been since 2014.
Donahue came into school administration after ten years of service as a high school math teacher at Hampden Academy (RSU 22). During his time in Hampden he served as the chair of the faculty council and the math department chair.
He holds a Masters degree in educational leadership from the University of Maine at Orono (UMO) and will be finishing his Ph.D. in educational leadership from UMO later this fall. His dissertation is focused on the integration of higher-order thinking in middle-level and secondary-level schools. His undergraduate work resulted in a B.S. degree in secondary math education, also from UMO.
Donahue reportedly stood out during the hiring process which included an application review, initial interview, a presentation in front of students, parents, and staff at GMS, a second round interview with the hiring committee and then a final interview with assistant superintendent Chris Record and superintendent Heather Perry before finally being approved by the Gorham School Committee on May 22, 2019 by a unanimous vote.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Donahue“The Gorham School district has a strong history of student achievement and success both in and out of the classroom,” said Donahue. “Upon reviewing the district’s vision and core values, I saw a strong match with my own beliefs and philosophy of education.”
“We believe that Quinton is uniquely poised to lead GMS now and well into the future. While at Mt. View MS, he created a fully modernized advisory program for students, brought in rich after school activities, and worked diligently to mold a positive school climate within which all staff can work, and all students can learn,” said Perry.
“His references describe him as an outstanding principal; someone who works tirelessly to create positive learning climates and support students achieving their personal best in all that they do,” said Perry. “He is further described as someone who listens, is compassionate, approachable, and visible.”
Donahue says he is most looking forward to meeting the students, supporting the teachers, and connecting with families. “I look forward to challenging everyone at GMS to accomplish great things.”
He recently moved to Windham with his wife Jessica. They enjoy spending time outside and hiking and camping with their two dogs.