Cheshire Board appoints Kevin Hanlon as principal of Cheshire High School

The Cheshire Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Kevin Hanlon as principal of Cheshire High School, effective April 21, 2025.

Board members cited a competitive selection process and broad support from staff and community stakeholders in backing the appointment. The motion to appoint Hanlon was made on the floor and seconded; the board then heard a series of remarks endorsing his candidacy before voting unanimously.

The board discussed its internal search process: the district received about 50 applicants for the role, interviewed an internal finalist group of four and conducted a further interview with Hanlon. Board members who spoke during the meeting praised his responses to interview questions, his “enthusiasm” and his understanding of districtwide priorities. Several members referenced positive feedback from staff and the search committees.

Hanlon had been serving as interim principal and previously worked in district-level curriculum roles. During the meeting he thanked the board and pledged to work “in collaboration with the great people in this room” to advance Cheshire High School.

The board moved quickly to a vote after members expressed support; the chair announced the appointment was approved unanimously with no abstentions. No contract length beyond standard annual administrative employment practice was specified during the motion; the motion referenced compensation “in accordance with the 2024–2028 agreement between the Cheshire Board of Education and Cheshire Administrative Personnel.”

The board posed no follow-up conditions attached to the appointment in the public meeting. The district plans a brief photo opportunity following the vote and noted Hanlon will assume the position in late April.