MATTAPOISETT — Kevin Tavares, current associate principal of Old Hammondtown School/Center School has been appointed as the new principal of Old Hammondtown School, the first step toward a change in building administration changes at the two schools, Superintendent Michael S. Nelson has announced.

Tavares will assume the position on July 1 following the retirement of principal Rose Bowman. He has been serving as the associate principal of the Old Hammondtown and Center schools since July 2014.

His current position of shared associate principal will be eliminated. Instead, each school will have its own principal, with Tavares heading Old Hammondtown School and a candidate to be selected to oversee Center School.

“We feel it makes most sense to have one principal present in each school building full-time compared to the shared model we are currently utilizing,’’ Nelson said. 

The change will have no impact on the overall budget, Nelson said.

The superintendent’s office will begin the search for a principal for the Center School and a search committee will be established to provide input on the process and candidates, Nelson said.

Tavares said he is looking forward to his new role.

“Having spent close to 30 years at Old Hammondtown School in various roles, I know what a welcoming place our school is with caring, engaging educators and wonderful, curious students," Tavares said. "I am thrilled to be stepping into this role and will continue working to enrich our school's learning environment and supporting our students, educators and families however I can."

Tavares began as a classroom teacher at Old Hammondtown School in 1994, teaching in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and as a science lab instructor between 1994-2014.

In his time with the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55, Tavares has served on many committees, including curriculum and planning committees, interview and candidate search committees, and has served as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) School Accreditation Chairman and Steering Committee Coordinator.

"Kevin has been a valuable member of the Mattapoisett Schools for much of his career, and has shown to be a tremendous educator, mentor and leader," Nelson said. "I look forward to seeing how he will lead the Old Hammondtown School and build upon the work he has done as associate principal and the relationships he has formed within the school community."

Tavares holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bridgewater State University and a master’s degree in education in leadership and administration from Fitchburg State University.