Greenwich Ed Board OKs Boston Educator As Schools Chief

The Greenwich Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Boston educator William McKersie as schools superintendent Wednesday morning, capping a 10-month national search.

The 52-year-old McKersie is leaving the Archodiocese of Boston in Braintree, MA. where he has been associate superintendent for academic excellence overseeing academic strategies for the performance of 42,000 students who attend the organization's 122 elementary and secondary schools.

McKersie will be paid $220,000 the first year of his three-year contract, which begins July 9. He also will receive a $2,500 monthly housing allowance; a $250 car allowance, and $15,000 in annuity and deferred compensation. The district also will pay for moving expenses up to $12,000.

In a prepared statement Board of Education Chairman Leslie Moriarty said, “After a national and comprehensive search process, the board is pleased to have found a leader in Bill McKersie who will bring a passion, energy and expertise in our mission to prepare students for college and career." She added, "Bill’s knowledge and experience in the educational process, his track record of continuous improvement, and his ability to connect with teachers and administrators will ably guide the district’s efforts to increase achievement for all students.”

McKersie said, "I intend to bring a strong focus on intellectual
rigor and ensure that Greenwich is known for providing all students with outstanding college and career preparation. High quality teachers and principals, surrounded by supportive parents and community, are the most essential ingredients for student learning."

McKersie acknowledged the student achievement gap must be addressed. "You have all kinds of schools in Greenwich with students coming into one high school. How do you know if they are coming in with the same skills— the common core to have the college ready, career ready?" He said he plans to focus on ensuring students are college and career ready, possibly streamlining some initiatives.

McKersie added, "I look forward to working closely with the board, central office administrators, school leaders, teachers, parents, students, and community to advance excellence.” McKersie and his wife Katherine, who accompanied him at Wednesday's meeting. The couple has a 4-year-old daughter. He also has two sons.

McKersie is a 1981 cum laude graduate of Tufts University where he earned bachelor’s degree in social psychology. He received his master’s in education from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in 1986, and his Ph.D from the University of Chicago in 1997.

Before joining the Boston Archdiocese, McKersie was the associate dean for development and alumni relations at Harvard University for four years. He also has worked for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Schools in Ohio and The Cleveland Foundation.

Following his appointment, McKersie's faces a whirlwind day filled with visiting each of the district's 16 schools, meeting staff, PTA representatives, parents and the public in a series of events planned throughout the day, culminating with a community reception at 6  o'clock Wednesday night at Hamilton Avenue School.

McKersie said he plans to continue his tour of Greenwich through Friday.