WEST GROVE, PA — The Avon Grove School District appointed four principals and assistant principals for the 2026-27 school year, promoting experienced educators into leadership roles across its elementary, intermediate, middle and high schools.
The school board approved Dr. Kim Hall as principal of Penn London Elementary School, Kelly Vaughn as principal of Avon Grove Intermediate School, Mark DeEmilio as principal of Avon Grove Middle School and Dr. Amanda Cahill as assistant principal of Avon Grove High School.
Hall will move to Penn London after serving as principal of Avon Grove Intermediate School since the 2023-24 school year. She previously worked as Penn London’s assistant principal and spent 18 years as an elementary teacher in the Kennett Consolidated School District.
Her administrative work has included staff development, data analysis and oversight of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, language services and the district’s Dual Language Immersion program.
Hall earned a doctorate from Wilmington University this spring. Her dissertation examined whether differentiated professional learning for second-grade reading teachers could improve student reading growth.
Vaughn will become principal of Avon Grove Intermediate after serving as the school’s assistant principal. Her responsibilities have included daily operations, instructional leadership and maintaining a safe learning environment.
She previously worked as supervisor of math and virtual learning in the Manheim Township School District and held several positions during 15 years with Avon Grove, including instructional coach, math specialist, sixth-grade teacher, curriculum writer and STEAM leader.
Vaughn holds a master’s degree in leadership for teaching and learning from Millersville University and certifications in K-12 principal leadership and curriculum supervision.
DeEmilio will take over as principal of Avon Grove Middle School after serving as an assistant principal in the district since 2022.
His work has included curriculum development, technology integration, staff supervision, assessment oversight and analysis of student performance data. Before joining Avon Grove, he served as an assistant principal in the Oxford Area School District and earlier worked as a health and physical education teacher, athletic director and coach.
DeEmilio holds a master’s degree in school leadership and administration from Wilmington University and a principal certification covering prekindergarten through 12th grade. He also completed the National Institute for School Leadership program.
Cahill will move into administration after teaching social studies at Avon Grove High School since 2014.
She has served as Social Studies Department chair, participated in the district’s Aspiring Leaders Academy and advised Model United Nations and Women in Business.
Superintendent Scott DeShong characterized the four appointees as experienced educators who will support students, staff and families across the district.
“Each brings a unique set of experiences, a passion for student success, and a deep commitment to supporting staff, families, and our school communities,” DeShong stated.
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