SANFORD, Maine — The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Getchell as the new Assistant Principal of Sanford High School. Getchell will officially assume her role effective July 1. Getchell brings 22 years of public education experience to the role, with a strong foundation in special education and alternative programming. She has spent the bulk of her career at MSAD 6 Bonny Eagle School Department, where she has served as a Special Education Teacher since 2004. Most recently, she has served simultaneously as Interim Director of Innovative Learning Pathways and Alternative Education Department Head at MSAD Bonny Eagle School Department, providing program leadership, overseeing daily operations, supporting staff, and coordinating services to meet the complex academic and social-emotional needs of students. Her work in alternative education earned her statewide recognition this year when she was named a 2026 Educator of the Year by the Alternative Education Association of Maine, a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing alternative education programs across the state. Getchell earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Maine, Farmington in 2001, and her Master of Science in Inclusionary Education from the University of New England in Biddeford in 2012. She recently completed the Assistant Principal Certificate Program at the University of Southern Maine. “We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to Sanford High School as our new Assistant Principal,” said SHS Principal Tracy Gibson. “Kaity brings years of experience supporting students and leading staff, along with a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment. Her collaborative leadership style, dedication to student success, and ability to build strong relationships make her an outstanding addition to our Spartan team. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our school community.” Getchell, a Springvale resident, has ties to the local community, with both of her children attending schools in the Sanford School Department. “Being able to work in the same community where I live, and where my kids are in school, means everything,” she said. “I am hoping to have a positive impact on the community, to develop meaningful relationships with students and families, and to become a valuable resource for the students at Sanford High School.” Getchell will succeed Mike Fallon, who is assuming a new position as the Attendance Coordinator at Sanford High School. The Sanford School Department congratulates Getchell on her appointment and looks forward to the energy, experience, and dedication she will bring to Sanford High School.

Kathleen Getchell Named New Assistant Principal of Sanford High School

Sanford School Department

June 19, 2026

SANFORD, Maine — The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Getchell as the new Assistant Principal of Sanford High School. Getchell will officially assume her role effective July 1.

Getchell brings 22 years of public education experience to the role, with a strong foundation in special education and alternative programming. She has spent the bulk of her career at MSAD 6 Bonny Eagle School Department, where she has served as a Special Education Teacher since 2004. 

Most recently, she has served simultaneously as Interim Director of Innovative Learning Pathways and Alternative Education Department Head at MSAD Bonny Eagle School Department, providing program leadership, overseeing daily operations, supporting staff, and coordinating services to meet the complex academic and social-emotional needs of students. 

Her work in alternative education earned her statewide recognition this year when she was named a 2026 Educator of the Year by the Alternative Education Association of Maine, a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing alternative education programs across the state.

Getchell earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Maine, Farmington in 2001, and her Master of Science in Inclusionary Education from the University of New England in Biddeford in 2012. She recently completed the Assistant Principal Certificate Program at the University of Southern Maine.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to Sanford High School as our new Assistant Principal,” said SHS Principal Tracy Gibson. “Kaity brings years of experience supporting students and leading staff, along with a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment. Her collaborative leadership style, dedication to student success, and ability to build strong relationships make her an outstanding addition to our Spartan team. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our school community.”

Getchell, a Springvale resident, has ties to the local community, with both of her children attending schools in the Sanford School Department. “Being able to work in the same community where I live, and where my kids are in school, means everything,” she said. “I am hoping to have a positive impact on the community, to develop meaningful relationships with students and families, and to become a valuable resource for the students at Sanford High School.”

Getchell will succeed Mike Fallon, who is assuming a new position as the Attendance Coordinator at Sanford High School.

The Sanford School Department congratulates Getchell on her appointment and looks forward to the energy, experience, and dedication she will bring to Sanford High School.