HopNews
Yesterday afternoon, HopNews attended the Coffee Hour for Evan Bishop, one of the two finalists for Hopkinton’s new superintendent of schools. Bishop has dedicated the past 20 years to the Hopkinton school district, 16 years in administration, and the last 12 as the principal of Hopkinton High School.
Bishop shared insights about his journey and vision as an educator, including his strong connections within the community and passion for students, staff, and families.
Community Connection
Bishop’s connection to the Hopkinton area is deeply personal and extends far beyond his role as Principal of Hopkinton High School. During his tenure in Hopkinton, he got married and started a family. Although he resides in a nearby town with his wife and daughters, both in the seventh grade at the local public school, his roots in Hopkinton remain strong.
“During times of tragedy, when we have lost a student or a staff member, I formed an extraordinarily strong bond with this community that I still hold close to my heart today.” There are many superintendent positions open right now. “I’m not interested in any of those. I want to be here and continue to give back to Hopkinton because this community means so much to me,” declared Bishop.
Yesterday afternoon, he enjoyed a tour of the other school buildings in the district. “Although I’ve been in all the buildings before, something about interacting directly with the classrooms is special.”
Unlike the high school students who may be reluctant to speak, Bishop noted that the younger students were excited to tell him what they were doing. “It was a delightful experience, even if the students were more curious about my height than my words.”
Bishop is approximately six feet five inches tall. He told the students that he used to be six feet six inches tall when he had hair like theirs!
>> RELATED: HHS Students Thrive Under the Leadership of Evan Bishop
Soliciting Feedback
In preparation for possibly becoming the next superintendent, Bishop has solicited feedback from the stakeholders in the school community. “I’ve gathered considerable input from teachers regarding their expectations from the new superintendent, but it occurred to me that there hasn’t been much feedback from our administrative team.”
While he appreciates the support and encouragement of the administrative team, he wanted to ensure that he received their professional perspectives. During an earlier meeting with the team, he gave each of them a notecard. “I asked them to anonymously write down their expectations for the next superintendent. What qualities do they desire? What skills are important, and what attributes should be considered?”
“My plan is to take that information and maybe have that be part of my entry plan if I’m lucky enough to be hired for the job.”
Key Values
• Decision-making centered on the student
• Culture building
• Caring and compassionate communication
• High expectations with accountability
• Competitive aspects along with enjoyment
Additionally, Bishop emphasized the need to hire the right individuals who embody the district’s values and can positively enhance the school community.
Tackling Budget and Expansion
One of the district’s primary challenges is balancing budget limitations with educational needs. Bishop knows that making difficult choices takes time. Nevertheless, early and transparent communication involving stakeholders, creative problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making can go a long way in tackling the challenges of effective decision-making.
He also addressed potential solutions, including increasing international student enrollment to generate more revenue and partnering with other segments of the town on priority needs.
Focus on the Whole Child
Although Bishop appreciates that academics are Hopkinton’s central focus, he firmly believes in a more well-rounded view of education. He emphasized social and emotional learning, a feeling of belonging for all students, addressing student stress and anxiety, and learning soft skills and life readiness.
Student Stress
Bishop advocates for a well-rounded education beyond academics to address the stress that high schoolers experience. He observed that more students are grappling with stress and anxiety, with some exhibiting school avoidance.
Several parents, including Bishop, gave examples of their kids’ behavior, such as slamming doors after receiving an 87 or an 89 on a test, even in middle school.
Bishop emphasizes social and emotional well-being, ensuring that students feel supported and can access resources like adjustment counselors. He wants to create a flexible space that enables students to balance high standards with opportunities to decompress, allowing them to enjoy their lives more fully.
Bishop also underscores the importance of soft skills and being prepared for life, equipping students for success beyond their academic pursuits.
Focus
Bishop shared a fascinating story about a school council meeting where the book The Anxious Generation was discussed as a group, and it touched on the impact of cell phones. While chatting, one of the juniors—a great kid—offered a comment that really resonated with Bishop.
The student said that after watching so many 10-second videos, he had lost his ability to pay attention to a 30-minute TV show. When a popular TV show came up, he confessed he hadn’t even heard of it.
“That was an eye-opening moment for me. It made me realize how much students struggle with focus—whether it’s reading, staying engaged in class, or doing longer work,” admitted Bishop.
Bishop continued, “Teaching today is so much harder than it used to be, and I admire our teachers who are constantly adjusting to meet these needs. We are working diligently to stay abreast of best practices during this time of rapid change, so that we can support our students the best way we can.”
As for phones in the high school, each classroom has a designated holder on the door with 36 pouches. Students are required to either place their devices in one of these pouches or secure them in their bags.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism can be an especially significant barrier to learning and participation for students. There is an all-or-nothing attitude that Bishop is noticing among students. They either aim for perfection or not at all.
This attitude applies more broadly than test scores or grades. In classrooms, teachers are seeing less engagement from students. Due to the high-pressure nature of their education at such a young age, many students will not raise their hands to volunteer answers or be an active participant in discussion unless they are 100% sure they are right. They don’t want to be wrong in front of their peers.
The absence of a middle ground makes this troubling. It stops students from taking risks, learning from mistakes, and developing resilience. Bishop stresses that we must create a context where students are willing to give things a try even if they may not be correct every time. Real learning is a process — it takes time, effort, and deliberate practice.
Unity and Acceptance
Over the 20 years Bishop has served Hopkinton, he has seen diversity change for the better. He notes the school’s dedication to honoring differences, where every student feels heard, respected, valued, and seen, along with a healthy sense of belonging.
“Hopkinton High School is dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging for all students. Every individual who walks through our doors is considered a member of our Hiller family,” according to Bishop.
Bishop explained, “We’ve established over 70 different clubs, adding approximately 40 new ones since COVID to provide more opportunities for students to connect with the curriculum and each other.”
The Three Cs
Bishop shared that the high school has its own (unofficial) mission statement, which they refer to as the “Three Cs. We talk a lot about connection, community, and culture, and we emphasize the importance of connecting with all students.”
Building relationships with our students is most important. Bishop tells the teachers, “It’s great if you can get through the curriculum and see that the kids are doing wonderfully. However, you’re missing a huge opportunity if you’re flying through it, not taking time to build connections with kids, not building relationships, and getting to know and understand them.”
Looking to the Future
As Bishop considers the potential transition to superintendent, he reflects positively on Hopkinton High School’s current state. He is confident that the school’s established systems and capable team would help facilitate a smooth transition for his replacement, were he to be selected for the superintendent role.
When considering who might replace him as principal, Bishop would seek someone who shares the core values of prioritizing students’ experiences, engaging with the community, valuing a whole-child approach to education, and upholding high expectations while supporting those who work with students.
Evan Bishop’s extensive experience, student-centered approach, commitment to excellence, and strong connection to Hopkinton make him an outstanding candidate for the superintendent role.
The Committee will decide who is the best for the job. I am familiar with Evan and my adult children are very familiar with him from their past schooling. For me to say who I would want would only perpetuate a popularity contest and this role is too significant for that. Mr. Bishop is qualified, as is Mr. McLaughlin. Good luck to them both.