Pictured left to right: Dr. Kim Hall, Kelly Vaughn, Mark DeEmilio, and Dr. Amanda Cahill.
The Avon Grove School District announced Monday the appointment of four accomplished educational leaders who will serve as principals and assistant principals beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The Avon Grove Board of School Directors recently approved the appointments of 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.
Together, these leaders bring decades of experience in teaching, instructional leadership, curriculum development, student support, and school administration. Their appointments reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong academics, meaningful relationships, and diverse opportunities for all students.
“Kim, Kelly, Mark, and Amanda are exceptional leaders who embody the values of Avon Grove School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Scott DeShong. “Each brings a unique set of experiences, a passion for student success, and a deep commitment to supporting staff, families, and our school communities. We are excited to see their leadership continue to strengthen our schools and advance our mission of preparing Future Ready graduates.”
Dr. Kim Hall Named Principal of Penn London Elementary School
Dr. Kim Hall has been appointed Principal of Penn London Elementary School after serving as the Avon Grove Intermediate School’s Principal since the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Previously, she served as the Assistant Principal at Penn London Elementary School. During her tenure, she has played a key role in supporting instructional excellence, developing schoolwide systems of support, and fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.
As Principal, Hall has supervised and mentored staff, facilitated professional development, supported building-wide goals through data analysis and collaboration, and served as a leader for MTSS, PBIS, and language support programs. She also helped support the development of Avon Grove’s Dual Language Immersion program and has worked closely with students, families, and staff to ensure all learners feel valued and supported.
This spring, Dr. Hall earned her Ed.D. from Wilmington University after completing a three-year doctoral program. Her dissertation, Improving Student Reading Growth by Differentiating Professional Learning for Second Grade Teachers of Reading, was conducted at Avon Grove Intermediate School and has already helped shape professional learning practices while contributing to improved student reading outcomes.
Prior to joining Avon Grove, Hall spent 18 years as an elementary classroom teacher in the Kennett Consolidated School District, teaching kindergarten, first, third, fifth, and sixth grades. Throughout her career, she has championed inclusive educational practices, differentiated instruction, and research-based strategies to support student achievement.
Hall earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from West Chester University and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University.
Kelly Vaughn Named Principal of Avon Grove Intermediate School
Kelly Vaughn brings nearly two decades of educational leadership and classroom experience to her role as Principal of Avon Grove Intermediate School.
Most recently, Vaughn served as Assistant Principal of Avon Grove Intermediate School supporting the school principal in managing daily operations, guiding instructional leadership, and ensuring a safe, positive learning environment. Prior to that, she was the Supervisor of Math and Virtual Learning in Manheim Township School District and served for 15 years in Avon Grove School District as an instructional coach, math specialist, sixth-grade teacher, curriculum writer, STEAM leader, mentor, and team leader.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and focus on data-driven decision-making, Vaughn has extensive experience supporting student achievement through professional learning, curriculum alignment, and instructional coaching. Her work has centered on creating innovative learning environments where students and educators thrive.
Vaughn holds a Master of Education in Leadership for Teaching and Learning from Millersville University and certifications in both Principal K-12 and Curriculum Supervision K-12.
Mark DeEmilio Named Principal of Avon Grove Middle School
Mark DeEmilio has been appointed Principal of Avon Grove Middle School after serving as Assistant Principal in the district since 2022.
During his time at Avon Grove, DeEmilio has collaborated with teachers and administrators to support curriculum development, instructional improvement, student achievement, technology integration, professional development, and school operations. He has helped oversee assessment programs, supervise staff, analyze student performance data, and support a positive learning environment for students.
Before joining Avon Grove, DeEmilio served as Assistant Principal in Oxford Area School District, where he led stakeholder engagement initiatives, supported curriculum and instructional improvement efforts, supervised staff, and fostered a positive school culture. Earlier in his career, he worked as a health and physical education teacher, athletic director, and coach.
DeEmilio earned a Master of School Leadership and Administration from Wilmington University and holds Principal PK-12 certifications. He is also a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) program.
Dr. Amanda Cahill Named Assistant Principal of Avon Grove High School
Dr. Cahill has served as a Social Studies teacher at Avon Grove High School since 2014, where she has inspired students through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence. During her tenure, she has served as Social Studies Department Chair, participated in the AG Aspiring Leaders Academy and Social Committee, and advised both Model United Nations and Women in Business.
Known for her collaborative leadership and dedication to student success, Dr. Cahill has played an important role in fostering a positive school culture while supporting colleagues and mentoring students both inside and outside the classroom.
As Assistant Principal, Dr. Cahill will build on the strong relationships she has established throughout the school community while helping to lead instructional excellence, student achievement, and a safe, supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
The district looks forward to welcoming Hall, Vaughn, DeEmilio, and Cahill into their new roles. Together, these leaders will help advance Avon Grove School District’s vision of preparing students to become Future Ready graduates equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world.
