About Us

Paul Hurley is the Principal of Downingtown High School East Campus. He has served in this role for the past fourteen years. Previously he served as an assistant principal at the 9th Grade Center and then Downingtown High School West Campus for six years. He also taught Special Education and Alternative Education at both Lionville Junior High and Downingtown High School for nine years. He has a BS in Special Education from West Chester University, as well as a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction and a Principal’s certificate from Penn State University.

He is very familiar with the Downingtown community; not only is he a lifelong resident and graduate of Downingtown High School, he and his wife are raising their three children in the borough of Downingtown.

Eric McComsey is an assistant principal at Downingtown East High School.  Eric has been in the Downingtown Area School District since 2008 where he spent his time as a health and physical educator.  From 2013 to 2018 Eric was the Health and Physical Education curriculum leader overseeing the entire K-12 PE department.  Before coming to Downingtown Eric spent two years teaching at Owen J Roberts’ High School. Eric McComsey has had many roles within the Downingtown Area School District which complimented his leadership characteristics.

Eric is embedded within the community not only as an educational leader but as a resident. He looks forward to working with students, staff, community members, and everyone that is involved in making this such a great community and district.

Lakesha Costello is an Assistant Principal at Downingtown High School East, where she leads with a commitment to student-centered learning and academic excellence. With over a decade of experience in education, she has played a pivotal role in advancing literacy and personalized instruction within the district. Prior to her current role, Lakesha served as the Reading Intervention Coordinator and Reading Specialist at DHSE, where she designed and implemented targeted interventions that significantly improved student literacy outcomes.

A proud graduate of Downingtown High School, Lakesha has deep roots in the community she serves. Her personal connection to Downingtown drives her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive school environment where all students can thrive. Lakesha is particularly passionate about equity in education, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or ability, has access to the tools and resources necessary for success.

In addition to her leadership at Downingtown High School East, Lakesha is actively involved in the wider community. She and her husband are raising their three children in Downingtown, where they are committed to the values of education, family, and community engagement.

Lakesha’s approach to education is grounded in the belief that learning should be individualized and that schools should not only educate but inspire students to reach their full potential. Her leadership is characterized by a focus on collaboration, innovation, and creating pathways for student success both inside and outside the classroom.

I am honored and delighted to be a member of the administrative team at Downingtown High School East. I look forward to building on our tradition of teamwork and open communication to ensure a positive and productive learning environment.

Beginning my career as a mathematics teacher at Downingtown Junior High, I subsequently moved to the 9th Grade Center, and began teaching at Downingtown East in 2003. I hold a BS in Secondary Mathematics Education from Temple University, a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Cabrini University and a Doctoral Degree in K-12 Educational Leadership from Immaculata University.

My vision for Downingtown East is to continue our journey to become the best possible environment for students to achieve “Educational Excellence.” Challenging our students to continue to develop the necessary critical thinking skills needed for success in an ever-changing society, and promoting confidence and positive attitudes will create an environment that enables exceptional scholastic and personal growth – equipping our students to be their best.