Changes...an update! WPS 6-1-23

June always includes a lot of celebrations within a school system often as the marking of the changes to come. Commencement itself means a beginning or start of something. Just as one class leaves us we prepare to welcome another and for everyone that includes some level of change to say the least. So, as we prepare to enter this final month of the school year, I would like to share a few specific congratulations within this update.

Congratulations to the Westford Academy graduating Class of 2023 and their extensive support networks on reaching this momentous milestone :-)  We know that this marks the end of a very long journey and we are fortunate that so many of our students reflect back and share the positive experiences that they have had at various points along the way.  We are tremendously proud of the growth that they exhibit and eagerly anticipate hearing about the new adventures that await. 

Congratulations to our Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Kerry Clery, on her recent appointment as the next leader of the Billerica Public School system.  She has done tremendous work during her tenure with us and her positive impact on the district is evident far and wide. She will certainly be missed and we wish her well in this new beginning for her.  

Congratulations are also in order for Ms. Courtney Moran, our current Director of Pupil Services.  Yesterday, the School Committee voted to support the recommendation that she be appointed as our next Assistant Superintendent filling the roles and responsibilities that Dr. Clery will be leaving.  Courtney has been demonstrating strong student-centered leadership while serving the district for the past eleven years.  Her appointment will make for a very smooth transition as she has been heavily involved in the many day-to-day operations in the Central Office, she regularly provides guidance and support to all of our schools, and she has been instrumental in the long range planning of the district. We look forward to the impact she will have in this new role.  

With this transition, Courtney’s responsibilities will shift to include, but will not be limited to, the oversight of our Human Resources Department; therefore, she will no longer be leading our Office of Pupil Services and we will be conducting a search for a new director for that position.  More reflective of our updated mission and vision for the district, we are considering a change in that title and have posted an anticipated opening for a Director of Special Education and Social Emotional Learning.  The School Committee is considering an updated job description for this position and will be discussing it more at next Monday night’s meeting.  We are reaching out to solicit parent/caregiver participation on an Advisory Committee for the search process similarly to the way in which we have conducted our recent principal searches; more information regarding that timeline and commitment can be found here: Advisory Committee Information

Cheers!

Chris

Christopher Chew, Ed. D

Superintendent

Westford Public Schools