Administrative Team

Shannon Finnegan, Ed.D.
Principal
sfinnegan@ccboe.com 

Dr. Finnegan’s passion for education comes from a life-long desire to provide opportunities for others to grow and succeed. From her first job in education as a substitute teacher, to her current role as the Principal of Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School, she always strives to support students in learning. Dr. Finnegan believes that all children should have equitable opportunities and access to learning, so that they are prepared with the academic and social-emotional skills to navigate through their life’s journey.

Adapting to change is a strength for Dr. Finnegan as she frequently experienced shifts in her career as she followed her husband in support of his military career. During her educational career Dr. Finnegan has had the pleasure of working as a general and special educator, gifted resource teacher, instructional specialist, and a Vice Principal. In addition, Dr. Finnegan has worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Dr. Finnegan holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, a Master of Science in Special Education from Old Dominion University, and a Doctor of Education from The College of William and Mary.

As principal of Dr. Higdon, her goal is to be an active ingredient in maintaining a learning community which provides students with opportunities to foster social-emotional skills, creativity, develop critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Appreciating the importance of a positive partnership in schools, she endeavors to create relationships with faculty, parents, and community in fulfilling a shared vision of providing a high-quality education to students. Dr. Finnegan looks forward to sustaining a culture which celebrates student growth and learning.