Harvard School Committee unanimously appoints Dana Labb as superintendent

The Harvard School Committee voted unanimously 5-0 on Nov. 24, 2025, to appoint Dana Labb as superintendent of Harvard Public Schools, with the appointment to take effect July 1, 2026.

Abigail Besse, who opened the meeting, and committee members Liz Joyce, Amy Morton, Dr. Katy Covino and Brian Killeen voted in favor after deliberations that followed interviews with three finalists earlier in the meeting.

The committee’s motion to approve Labb was made and seconded and carried on a roll-call vote of 5-0. The Committee discussed next steps for onboarding and community engagement, including a schedule of public "Come Meet the New Superintendent" forums at locations such as library office hours, the Harvard General Store, the Council on Aging and the PTO.

Mr. Dana Labb, currently assistant superintendent with Harvard Public Schools, highlighted his experience as a building principal at Blanchard Elementary School and said he would prioritize "increasing educational support for marginalized students" while also reinforcing existing strengths in curriculum and instruction. The committee noted his local experience and stated familiarity with district issues in their deliberations.

Following the vote, members approved a motion to move into executive session to conduct a strategy session for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the selected candidate; that motion also passed 5-0. Committee members said they would inform the candidates of the decision and proceed with contract negotiations in executive session.

Public forums and other community outreach events were identified as the immediate next public steps; the committee did not announce specific dates at the meeting.