HANOVER - January 7, 2026 - In a meeting marked by celebration and community pride, the Hanover School Committee officially introduced Matthew Plummer as the next Principal of Hanover High School. A 1985 graduate of the school and a teacher in the district since 1990, Plummer’s appointment represents a commitment to stability and institutional knowledge as the district prepares for the retirement of current Principal Matthew Mattos later this spring.
The Full Story
The mood in the committee room was celebratory as Superintendent Matthew Ferron introduced Plummer, noting that the transition of leadership would begin immediately. While Principal Mattos officially retires in April, Plummer will begin assuming duties “pretty much part-time very soon” to ensure a seamless handover.
Plummer took the podium to outline a vision that balances honoring the school’s traditions with a push for modern innovation. He thanked the administration for their trust and paid tribute to Mattos for his “leadership, steadiness, and commitment”.
Plummer’s connection to the district is deeply personal. “I graduated from HHS. My wife graduated from HHS. All three of my kids graduated from Hanover... This place is special to me. At times, it feels like home,” he said.
He noted a serendipitous pattern in his career milestones: recognized for teaching in 1996, coaching in 2006, and now named Principal in 2026. “Good things happen to me when years end in a six,” he joked.
A Vision for Growth: AI, Financial Literacy, and Greenhouses Despite his long tenure, Plummer emphasized that “even great schools should continue to look for ways to improve”. He identified several immediate priorities:
NEASC Accreditation: He expressed eagerness to review the upcoming decennial report from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges to guide future improvements.
Master Schedule: He plans to continue discussions on revamping the schedule to offer more variety.
New Curricula: Plummer highlighted a desire to expand opportunities in financial literacy, communications, and artificial intelligence.
The Greenhouse Project: In a specific pitch for campus improvement, Plummer shared his dream of a working greenhouse. He described it as a place for science classes and a spot where “any student who really wants to can go pick up a carnation or a mum and bring it home to their parents”.
“It’s always about the students. It has to be... I feel strongly that we have to provide great opportunities for the students, and we have to be able to get them in the spotlight. They have to be able to shine.” — Matthew Plummer
School Committee member Libby Corbo expressed relief at the internal hire, noting the anxiety that often accompanies leadership vacancies. “I don’t remember a time or a hire that we’ve made that has elicited such excitement and positivity from the community,” Corbo said.
Inclusive Schools & ‘Bloom’ Technology The meeting also featured a report from Student Services on their efforts to modernize Special Education data and celebrate inclusion.
Assistant Director of Student Services Alexandra Howshall highlighted a town-wide art installation created during Inclusive Schools Week. Inspired by artist Paul Klee, students created pieces answering the question, “What does an inclusive community look like to you?”. The display is currently rotating through town buildings, including the Town Hall and Police Station, a logistical feat made possible by the DPW.
On the administrative side, Director Kaitlin Morelli detailed the rollout of the “Bloom Method,” a new app-based platform for IEP development. The tool allows staff to track behavioral and academic data consistently across the district, replacing disparate systems. “We’re really focusing on the quality of an IEP... and consistentcy across the entire district,” Morelli explained.
Solemn Opening Before the celebrations, the meeting began on a somber note. Member Christopher Tracy led a moment of silence for Matthew Straut Jr., a 2020 Hanover High graduate who passed away suddenly on December 31. Tracy extended the district’s “deepest sympathies” to the Straut family, noting that Matthew’s siblings are also recent graduates.
Why It Matters
The selection of Matthew Plummer signals that the School Committee prioritizes cultural continuity and stability at the high school level. By choosing a candidate with 36 years of history in the building, the district avoids the potential disruption of an external search. For parents of Special Education students, the adoption of the Bloom Method suggests a move toward more data-driven and standardized reporting, which could simplify the often complex IEP process.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion to Approve Donations (Corrected): The committee approved a corrected total of $19,675.23 in donations for the quarter. This includes significant contributions from the HPTA, HFEE, and the Class of 2025.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0)
Motion to Approve Minutes (Nov 19):
Outcome: Passed (3-0-2). Members Corbo and Jorgensen abstained due to absence.
Motion to Approve Minutes (Dec 10):
Outcome: Passed (4-0-1). Member Hall abstained.
Public Comment
No public comments were offered in person or online.
What’s Next
Calendar Decision: A decision on the 2026-2027 school start date (currently slated for Sept 8) is expected in the coming weeks.
Budget Meetings: The committee will meet with the Advisory Committee on February 11 and the Select Board on January 20.
Executive Session: A session will be scheduled to discuss negotiations regarding a potential cell phone tower.