Our Principals

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.

Erin has been an educator in the district since 2006, serving in both middle and high school settings. She began her career as an autistic support teacher at the middle level, where she spent five years building inclusive learning environments. Since 2011, she has worked as a learning support teacher at the high school level, supporting students with diverse academic needs and fostering growth through individualized instruction.

A proud graduate of the district, Erin holds a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Immaculata University. She is excited to transition into the role of Assistant Principal and looks forward to serving the school community in a new capacity, one that allows her to support students, families, and staff through a systems-driven lens.

Erin lives in the district with her husband, also a district graduate, and their three children who attend district schools. Her deep personal and professional roots in the community fuel her commitment to ensuring that every student is valued, engaged, and empowered for future success.