TYNGSBOROUGH — After nearly three decades of dedicated service to students, families, and communities across the Greater Lowell region, Superintendent-Director Jill Davis has announced that she will retire from Greater Lowell Technical High School at the end of December 2026.
Davis’s decision was supported by the Greater Lowell Technical School Committee at a recent meeting. Over the course of 30 years, she has helped guide the growth and evolution of one of the region’s largest vocational-technical high schools.
Davis began her career at Greater Lowell as a special education teacher and went on to serve as Director of Special Education, Assistant Superintendent/Principal, and, for the past six years, Superintendent-Director.
During her tenure, she has led Greater Lowell Technical High School through a period of significant growth and modernization, strengthening academic and technical programming, expanding partnerships, and advancing workforce development initiatives that have positioned the school as a regional leader in career and technical education.
Reflecting on her career, Davis said her identity as an educator has remained constant.
“While my roles have evolved over the years, I will always consider myself a teacher at heart,” Davis said. “The opportunity to support students as they grow in confidence, develop their skills, and discover their potential has been the most meaningful part of my career.”
She noted that supporting students with disabilities has been especially meaningful, emphasizing that ensuring all students feel included, supported, and valued has always been a central priority.
“The resilience and spirit of these students have taught me lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Davis said.
A Legacy of Student Success and Community Partnership
Located in Tyngsborough, Greater Lowell Technical High School serves approximately 2,300 students from Lowell, Dracut, Dunstable, and Tyngsborough and offers 23 career and technical education pathways.
Under Davis’s leadership, the school has made significant progress in narrowing achievement gaps and improving student outcomes. Attendance and graduation rates exceed state averages and participation in advanced coursework, Cooperative Education, and ninth-grade course completion has increased significantly.
These results reflect a strong, collaborative school community grounded in a culture where every student feels safe, connected, engaged, and supported.
Students also have applied their skills through community-based projects with organizations such as the Lowell Department of Public Works, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, local police and fire departments, the Town of Dracut Centre School, the Tyngsborough American Legion, and Second Chance Cars.
On campus, large-scale, multi-shop projects have included the construction of the Gryphon Fieldhouse and contributions to the Veterinary Science building, providing hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
Davis also has strengthened partnerships with higher education and industry, including the University of Massachusetts Lowell through Early College programming, expanding opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school, and to see college as a real and attainable option, often for the first time.
In addition, workforce development initiatives such as the “After Dark” program in partnership with Lowell High School and adult vocational training partnerships with the Commonwealth Corporation and MassHire Lowell Career Center have helped position Greater Lowell Tech as a regional hub for workforce development.
“For three decades now, Jill Davis has been an integral part of this school community. She rose from special education teacher to superintendent-director, while always keeping our students and the quality of education that we provide foremost in her thoughts,” said School Committee Chair Paul Morin. “Throughout her career, and especially as superintendent-director, she fostered collaboration, empowered students and staff, prioritized the wellness and safety of students, and built pride in our school. Her impact on this community cannot be overstated.”
Davis expressed deep gratitude to the school community.
“The accomplishments of our students and the continued growth of our school are the result of a truly collaborative community,” she said. “This work has never been done alone, it reflects the strength of our team and what is possible when we work together in support of our students.”
Davis will continue serving as Superintendent-Director through December 2026 to support a smooth transition.
Looking ahead, she expressed confidence in the school’s future.
“Greater Lowell Tech will continue to grow, innovate, and thrive,” she said. “The future is bright because of the incredible students, educators, staff, families, and community partners who make this school such a special place.”
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