Leadership Team
David McGovern - Principal
I am honored to introduce myself to the community of Milford. My name is David McGovern, and I am the Principal at the Woodland Elementary School. It is my belief that schools exist to “open doors” of opportunity for students. The needs of upper elementary students are unique, as our students are starting to learn more about their own personal interests and they continue to spread their wings further with each passing year seeking independence. It is my goal to make Woodland a safe environment for them to experience this growth.
I have been working in public education for more than twenty years. For the past nine years I have worked as an administrator in the Mansfield Public Schools with six of those years being Principal at the middle level. Prior to that, I taught Social Studies in Franklin. I completed my training as a School Administrator through the Leadership Licensure Program of the Massachusetts School Administrators Association and hold a degree in Organizational Management from Endicott College.
As a resident of Milford, I am excited for the opportunity to support a community that has opened many doors for my family. My personal interests include golf and travel. I have also spent time coaching soccer and assisting with the Cub Scouts in town. I look forward to meeting all of our Woodland families throughout the school year.
Leah Church - Assistant Principal - Grade 3
It has been a wonderful experience getting to know the Woodland Community over the past 3 years as the EL Coordinator and Assistant Principal. The Woodland community has been so very welcoming. Prior to coming to Milford, I had 16 years of teaching experience as an EL Coordinator and EL Teacher in Marlborough, and EL Teacher in Lowell, and a Grade 3 and Grade 5 Teacher in Rhode Island. I hold a BA (English) from Roanoke College, an M.Ed (Elementary Education) from Providence College, a M.Ed. (School Administration) from American International College, and a CAGS (Curriculum Development) from Fitchburg State College. I live in Cumberland, Rhode Island with my husband Michael, 7 year old daughter Caroline and our black lab Ginny. I look forward to getting to know you and your children this year!
Melissa Pivonka - Assistant Principal - Grade 4
I am very excited to be part of the Woodland community! I became a member of the Milford Public Schools team as an Assistant Principal at Stacy Middle School during the 2019-2020 school year. Prior to my time in Milford, I worked as an Assistant Principal in Boston and also spent several years teaching Social Studies. I am a proud graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, where I earned a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Sociology in addition to participating in the Teacher Education Program. I was also a member of the Division I softball team. I earned my Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University in Educational Policy, Planning and Administration. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, baking and spending time with family and friends. I am originally from Connecticut and currently reside in Ashland. I look forward to partnering with our students and staff as well as the families of the Milford community.
Seth Wood - Assistant Principal - Grade 5
It has been a privilege to be a part of the Milford Public School system since 2011 when I began teaching 4th Grade in the old Woodland building. Prior to my time in Milford, I taught 2nd Grade in Franklin, 1st Grade in Blackstone, and 4th Grade in Millville. I received my Master’s in Education from Lesley University in 2007 and my Assistant Principal/Principal Licensure through the Massachusetts Elementary Principals’ Association (now MSAA) in 2015. During the 2015-2018 school years, I was Assistant to the Principal at Brookside Elementary School here in Milford. I live in Upton with my wife Kelly and our three children, Brandon, Ryan, and Anna.