On Thursday, April 9, the Yarmouth School Committee unanimously appointed Shanna Crofton as Superintendent of Schools beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Ms. Crofton is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning in Yarmouth, where she has been a member of Yarmouth’s leadership team for the past five years. Prior to joining Yarmouth, Ms. Crofton served in various school leadership roles locally and internationally, most recently as the Chief Academic Officer in neighboring Brunswick.
Christina Patrick, Chair of the Yarmouth School Committee shared: “Shanna is an instructional expert and collaborative leader who bases her decisions on what’s best for students. She is poised to build on Yarmouth School Department’s strong foundation and to drive continuous improvement to help students to thrive in the years ahead.”
Shanna began her leadership career as Assistant Academic Dean at Leysin American School in Switzerland. She later served as Director of the Senior School at Branksome Hall in Toronto, followed by her role as Head of Secondary School at Oberoi International School in Mumbai, India. She then returned to the United States to serve as Principal of Brunswick High School.
"I am honored to be selected as the next Superintendent of Yarmouth Schools,” said Ms. Crofton. “I feel fortunate to work in a district with such dedicated staff, curious and motivated students, and a supportive community. I look forward to building upon Yarmouth’s strong foundation and continuing to grow together."
The School Committee conducted a thorough, wide-ranging search with support from Zeal Education Group. Applicants from three states and one country outside of the U.S. expressed interest in the position, and a community interview panel forwarded two finalists to the School Committee for consideration.
Ms. Crofton will succeed Dr. Andrew Dolloff, who has served as Yarmouth's Superintendent of Schools for the past 12 years and will retire this fall. "I am thrilled that Shanna will be stepping into this role," said Dolloff. "She is a thoughtful, knowledgeable educator with the experience and expertise necessary to meet the challenges our schools will face in the coming decade. I look forward to seeing Yarmouth's students and staff continue to excel under her guidance."
Ms. Crofton graduated from Bowdoin College in 2001. She holds a master's degree in Organizational Management from the School for International Training in Vermont and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from the University of New England. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Educational Leadership at the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine.
Ms. Crofton resides in Yarmouth with her husband, Andrew, and two children who attend the Yarmouth Schools. She will assume the role of Superintendent of Schools on July 1.