Interim Superintendent of Schools Ralph Mayo
announced at the Board of Education meeting Thursday night at Julian Curtiss that he will assume the role of Interim Headmaster for Greenwich High School, effective July 1, 2019. In his announcement, Mr. Mayo noted that a widespread search for a Headmaster/Headmistress at Greenwich High School began in December 2018.
Mayo said a strong pool 43 candidates were interviewed and that group was narrowed down to five, and then to three. “Unfortunately we did not find a candidate we felt was the right fit for the high school,” he said.
Describing GHS as our flagship school, Mr. Mayo added, “We must ensure we have a leader in place who will provide the continuity, implement the vision and develop the strategies necessary to take Greenwich High School to the next level of excellence. In consultation with Dr. Jones, I have decided that re-opening the position this late in the administrator hiring cycle is not in the best interest of the school or the district. It is preferable to appoint an interim leader, allowing Dr. Jones to conduct a search next year to bring in a new Headmaster/Headmistress for the 2020-2021 school year.”
Mayo said that Dr. Toni Jones, who becomes permanent superintendent on July 1, has been involved interviews wherever possible and appropriate in the hiring of open administrator positions.
Board of Education Chair Peter Bernstein thanked Mr. Mayo for leading the District this year. “The Board of Education does not make administrative assignments, however, Mr. Mayo has consulted with Dr. Jones and the Board and he has our support in this decision,” Bernstein said.
Mayo said he was confident that he will bring the needed stability to the school community and provide the leadership needed to begin the transformation necessary to position Greenwich High School for its next phase of excellence.
“This decision also allows us to move ahead with filling the remaining interim administrator positions,” Mayo said, adding that Rick Piotrzkowski has decided to return to his preferred role of Assistant Headmaster.
“I want to thank Mr. Piotrzkowski for his leadership this year and I look forward to working closely with him again next year. He is one of true stars of our school district. Eastern Middle School has been both my home and my family for fourteen years and it would have been very simple for me to return there, but I believe it is time for new leadership to take that great middle school to the next level. The District will initiate the search for the permanent EMS Principal immediately. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with the Greenwich High School
community.”