Cranston Says Goodbye to Principal Cowart

Hope Highlands Elementary School said goodbye to former Principal Don Cowart at the end of the school year this year.

Meanwhile in Coventry, students, parents and teachers at Washington Oak Elementary School in Coventry will be saying "hello."

The Coventry School Committee approved the appointment Cowart's appointment as Principal at Washington Oak Elementary School for the 2013-2014 school year, effective Aug. 1, on Tuesday.
Prior to his appointment within the Coventry School District, Cowart spent more than 10 years as a teacher in Massachusetts and New Jersey, teaching first, second, third and fifth grades. In 2005, he became the Principal of the Daniel D. Waterman School in Cranston, RI, and in July of 2008, Principal of Hope Highlands Elementary School, also in Cranston where he stayed until his appointment in Coventry.

Cowart received bachelor's degrees in History and Elementary Education from URI, as well as his Elementary Education teaching certificate. In 2005, he earned his Master's in Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship from Rhode Island College.

"Coventry is a cutting-edge district and a place where I feel like I can grow as a professional, and it's also a place where I can utilize my expertise at the elementary level to keep the school moving forward," he said. "I appreciate the opportunity and I am really looking forward to it." 

Cowart will be replacing Washington Oak Principal Gina Gateman, whose resignation was also approved by the School Committee on Tuesday.