News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Oct. 7, 2025) – Christopher Cowan has been named the new assistant principal at McCarthy Middle School in Chelmsford; his first day on the job was Friday, Sept. 19.

“I plan on being very student-focused, very student-driven,” he said. “It’s already been heartening for me to help students or go for walks with students, mediate when needed and have meaningful conversations.”

Cowan, who holds a master’s degree in special education, brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role at McCarthy.

Most recently, he served as interim principal and assistant principal for student life at Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury. There, he worked closely with students, families, faculty and staff to support student success, and foster a positive and inclusive school culture.

Prior to that, Cowan served as principal at Valley Collaborative in Billerica, where he successfully expanded student engagement, implemented innovative support systems, and collaborated with families and districts to ensure positive outcomes for all learners.

“I’ve had a pretty diverse journey,” he admits. “I’ve done everything from special education in a public school to principal at an alternative high school to an administrator at a private high school.”

Explaining that he had yet to try his hand as an administrator at a public school, Cowan said he was happy to throw his hat in the ring when the McCarthy assistant principal job was posted over the summer.

Aside from settling in and getting to know all the names and faces throughout the school and district, Cowan said he’s looking forward to becoming part of the McCarthy family and observing students and teachers in the classrooms.

“I’m really excited to work with such a diverse student population,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your interests are, how many needs you have or how gifted you are, we’re here for everybody.”

Cowan, who lives in Chelmsford with his wife, Lyndsey, and their two children, Chase, 12, who attends McCarthy Middle School, and Chloe, 7, who attends Center Elementary School, officially started his new role on Friday, Sept. 19.

“I’m really excited to be here for a variety of reasons, but one of them is this is the first time that I have lived and worked and have children all in the same district,” he said. “I feel incredibly fortunate. I’m very much invested and it literally is home here in Chelmsford.”

Principal Dr. Jeff Parks said he is excited to have Cowan as a member of the administrative team at McCarthy Middle School.

“[He] is deeply invested in our community and eager to contribute his passion, experience and leadership to McCarthy Middle School,” Dr. Parks shared. “He values building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. … We are thrilled to have his energy, vision and dedication on our leadership team, and we are confident that he will make a positive and lasting impact on our school community.”

Former assistant principal Kerry Calobrisi left the position in August, having accepted a new role as the Academic Dean at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence.

“Since beginning my role at McCarthy in 2018, it has been an absolute pleasure to serve the Chelmsford community,” she shared. “I am grateful for the meaningful partnerships I’ve shared with staff, students and families. These relationships have made my time here truly fulfilling. …  I will always carry fond memories of my time in Chelmsford Public Schools.”

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.