Joshua W. Hibbard is Fairhaven High School’s new principal beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The School Department will host opportunities for the community to meet him over the summer. Submitted photo.
Press Release
Fairhaven Public School District is pleased to announce Joshua W. Hibbard as the school’s next principal. The district received feedback from staff, students, and community members who expressed the desire to find an instructional leader who would continue the school’s focus on supporting “All kids; All the time” while enhancing our career pathways.
areer in education has spanned twenty-eight years, with one year in the State of Florida and the remainder in the State of Connecticut. Over that time, he has been a high school Spanish teacher, international student tour supervisor, curriculum and instructional leader, department chairperson, beginning teacher mentor, instructional coach, dean, supervisor and evaluator, community engagement coordinator, and NEASC Accreditation Team member and chairperson. In addition to this school-based experience, Mr. Hibbard has been a youth athletic board member and has coached athletic teams at all levels from youth through high school varsity. He has been recognized as a Teacher and Coach of the Year.
Mr. Hibbard completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut, from which he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Latin American Studies Certificate. His graduate studies were first completed at Sacred Heart University, from which he holds his Master of Arts in Teaching (Education) degree. Lastly, Mr. Hibbard completed his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Advanced Educational Leadership at the University of New England. He is certified as a school administrator in both the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has extensive training in MTSS and has previously served as a Social and Emotional Learning Instructional Coach. He is bilingual (Spanish).
He classifies his leadership style as student-centered, restorative leadership. As such, Mr. Hibbard believes that all those working in education, in all that they do, should ask themselves, is this decision being made or action being taken in the best interests of children? As a restorative leader, Mr. Hibbard sets high expectations, while offering high levels of support.
Mr. Hibbard was drawn to the principalship at Fairhaven High School due to the school’s unique history, obvious community pride, and strong foundation of academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular programming. He is enthusiastic about working with students, staff, families, alumni, and community members to celebrate the school’s great history, while pushing creative thinking, experiential learning, and innovation further forward.
Mr. Hibbard is honored to become the principal of FHS. He is joined in this new journey in Fairhaven by his wife, Nancy, and their three sons and daughter. They all look forward to being a part of the Fairhaven community.
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