New interim principal at Erving Elementary School brings math background

Erving Elementary School interim Principal Beth Gannon in the school library. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ
Published: 01-14-2025 12:00 PM
Modified: 01-14-2025 1:02 PM |
ERVING — Gardner resident Beth Gannon is now at the helm of Erving Elementary School, bringing 21 years of experience in administration and teaching to her role as interim principal.
Gannon started work on Dec. 2, giving her the chance to meet students, faculty and parents before the start of the holiday break. She fills the seat vacated by former interim Principal David Krane, who left the school on Nov. 26.
“I have become very attached to this little school, but an interim role is exactly that — interim, only temporary,” Krane wrote in a school newsletter in November 2024. Krane, when hired in August 2023, had expected to serve in the role until June 30, 2024.
Before arriving to Erving, Gannon gained years of both teaching and administrative experience. She holds seven teaching licenses and earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
One of her more long-term roles was as principal for 14 years at the Margaret L. Donovan Elementary School in Randolph. Other administrative roles Gannon has held include principal in her hometown of Pittsfield and in Lawrence. She also previously taught math to middle school students at Fitchburg Public Schools and she has taught graduate-level courses.
Gannon said when she heard about the role opening earlier in 2024, she knew she wanted to take the opportunity to get back into an administrative position while also staying in western Massachusetts.
“[I] saw this open up and thought, ‘I just don’t want to miss out on this opportunity,’” Gannon recalled. “And I applied and was very excited when I was selected.”
Now that she’s a few weeks into the job, Gannon said she’s had the chance to engage with students in the classrooms, such as through a read-aloud activity. Interacting with children is something she said she’s always enjoyed.
Article continues after...
Yesterday's Most Read Articles






“It’s just a chance for me to be able to contribute while still doing the leadership component that I really enjoy,” Gannon commented.
When asked about her goals as interim principal, Gannon said she’s focusing on being a forward-facing community member outside the confines of the elementary school. So far, she’s attended School Committee meetings, met with both the fire and police chiefs, and visited the Erving Public Library and Senior & Community Center just down the street. In the spring, she hopes to take the students to visit the public library.
At school, Gannon said one of her goals involves incorporating math into a spring literacy night for students and families. With her background in math education, she wants to help students find a way to enjoy math in a way that can be less overwhelming.
“I think the reality is,” Gannon said, “there’s lots of fun ways to incorporate math and instruction, as well as in games and activities, and so it’s just a chance for us to re-brand math for those kids who think it’s overwhelming.”
With this position being temporary, Gannon said she is planning to apply for the permanent role. In the meantime, Gannon made it clear that her priorities are student connection, along with faculty and community outreach.
“I view this position as a service position,” she said. “So when it’s done right, your job is to make it easier for teachers to be able to do their work, your job is for kids to be successful at school and happy about being here, and to make parents feel comfortable about leaving their children here each day.”
Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.