Framingham, MA – Joseph P. Keefe Technical School Superintendent-Director James Lynch is pleased to announce that Jonathan Evans, current Director of Student Services, will succeed Patricia Canali as the school’s new Principal.

Superintendent Lynch stated that Evans’ appointment is effective July 1, 2011. According to Lynch, “I have made this decision after a very thorough search process that included a broadly publicized posting, 14 applicants, 6 semifinalists, 4 finalists, two lengthy and probing interviews, and a detailed review of recommendations and references. I am convinced that Mr. Evans is the very best candidate for this important leadership position. I look forward to working with him as Principal and as we go forward to continue to improve our school and service our students.”

Evans has served the Keefe Tech school community for 15 years, beginning his career as an intern in the Guidance Department in while he was earning a Master of Education in Counseling. He came aboard as a full-time Guidance Counselor in the 1997-1998 school year, and advanced to the position of Lead Counselor and then Director of Guidance and Admissions over the next ten years. In 2007, Evans was appointed as Director of Student Services, overseeing the school’s Special Education, Health Services, and Guidance Departments and the coordination of student recruitment and school marketing efforts.

“This is an opportunity to work with an exceptionally talented faculty and administration and a great group of students,” said Evans of his new appointment. “As Principal, I’m looking forward to being in a leadership position where I can help to provide our students with more opportunities for a full high school experience and excellent options for the future.”

Before joining the team at Keefe Tech, Evans worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, where he provided counseling to individuals with disabilities. “I really enjoyed working in a capacity that helped people build skills and set career goals, which led to my decision to pursue a career as a guidance counselor in a career technical school,” he noted.

The search committee tasked with screening candidates was comprised of 12 members from the Keefe Tech school community. Members of the search committee recommended four candidates for final review, and Lynch along with School Committee Chairman Nelson Goldin conducted the final interviews and selected Evans for the position.

“I find working in a career technical school environment to be extremely rewarding because our students choose to come here and receive two educations in one,” explained Evans. “I have provided support to students both academically and in their career technical fields and have seen the benefits of this type of education firsthand.”

Evans is a married father of three and a resident of Sudbury, MA. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Fitchburg State University and teaches a graduate and undergraduate course in Occupational Education. Evans holds a B.A. in Psychology from Providence College, a M. Ed. in Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and many professional education licenses including a Vocational Principal License.

Joseph P. Keefe Technical School is a four-year high school located in Framingham, MA and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to 13 career and technical programs, Keefe Tech offers a complete college preparatory program to students from the communities of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton and Natick.

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