By Richard Kaufman
On Thursday night at the Board of Education meeting, interim Superintendent of Schools, Ralph Mayo, announced that he will assume the position of interim Headmaster at Greenwich High School, effective July 1.
Mayo noted in his announcement that following the departure of former Headmaster Dr. Chris Winters, a widespread search for a replacement began in December of 2018, but after the interview process, Greenwich Public Schools was unable to identify the right candidate for the job.
“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,” Mayo said. “In consultation with [Superintendent] Dr. Toni 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.”
BOE Chair, Peter Bernstein, thanked Mayo for serving 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,” he added.
Mayo sad he’s confident he will bring the “stability” to the school community that is needed, and that he will provide the leadership “needed to begin the transformation necessary to position Greenwich High School for the next phase of excellence.”
Rick Piotrzkowski, who has served as the interim Headmaster since September, 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,” Mayo said. “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.”
Mayo received overwhelming support from the community in January after the District hired Dr. Toni Jones from Fairfield to take over as the permanent Superintendent. Mayo said then that he would continue to be involved in the District in some capacity. This move allows him to do just that.
