New Lincoln Academy dean of students Don Legere sits in his office at the high school. Legere has formerly worked at Greely High School in Cumberland and Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham. (Frida Hennig photo)
New dean of students Don Legere is looking forward to the start of the school year. Legere, who formerly worked in the insurance business for 25 years, got into education after taking on the role of sports announcer at South Portland High School.
“Because I loved that, my wife encouraged me to get into education, and so I did some substituting while I was taking my classes, and got a position in the math department at Greely High School,” said Legere.
Later, Legere moved on to Mt. Ararat High School after earning a masters degree and becoming certified as an assistant principal.
“I tended to teach the students that had a harder time in school, and made good connections, and so I thought if I can get into administration, I can help more of those students,” said Legere.
Legere started learning about Lincoln Academy after meeting head of school Jeff Burroughs last summer. “Like me, he came from a business background, and so we really kind of hit it off,” Legere said. “I really liked his philosophy about things.”
While he officially began on July 1, Legere was able to experience some graduation events and meet with students in June, in order to get a feel for the school and make connections.
“It seems more community oriented, and like there’s a team effort to get things done,” said Legere. “There seems to be a strong connection with the community, not just within the school, but with the town.”
“I’m very excited to be here. It’s been great since I started, and I’m looking forward to the students coming,” he said. “I’m not nervous or anxious about it, it just feels right.”
As for the role of dean of students, Legere hopes to help students realize that they can take control of their lives by using the resources that Lincoln Academy offers.
“To see a student make the process that they make and be more independent by the time that they graduate,” he said. “That’s really what it’s all about,” he said.
The main goal for Legere is to make sure students feel valued, and help them gain self-confidence throughout their high school years. He emphasized all students are different and come to school with different experiences.
“There isn’t a one size fits all, there isn’t a handbook,” he said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students missed out on the classroom experience, which he believes is vital.
“The world is finding out that so much is missed when you don’t have interactions with other people,” Legere said. “There is so much more that takes place in the classroom beyond just textbook knowledge.”
As well as making his mark on the school as dean of students, Legere also hopes to find a place in the community, despite the fact that he continues to live in South Portland.
“Whether it’s announcing a game, or running a clock, or participating in something downtown, that will probably come in time.” He said. “That’s who I am.”
