The next principal of Chilmark School has been named.
Kate Squire, a fourth-grade teacher at Willard Elementary School in the Concord public school system, has been chosen to lead the up-Island school.
Squire expressed her excitement to have been selected for the role, which will start on July 1. “I am so honored to be entrusted with the leadership of the Chilmark School as its next principal,” Squire told the Times. “I’m really looking forward to building relationships with students, parents, and educators, and learning from everyone in this very special community. Those partnerships are essential to student growth and success. I’m especially excited to collaborate with teachers to support a project-based curriculum, and share some of my experiences integrating science and literacy.”
Current Principal Susan Stevens announced in October that she would retire after the end of this school year. Stevens has led the Chilmark School as principal since 2009.
The search had come down to two finalists by last month; Edgartown School third grade teacher Alicia Knight was the other candidate.
Including interviews, there were opportunities for the Chilmark School community to meet the candidates, and the Chilmark principal search committee visited each educator’s school before a decision was made.
In a letter to the Martha’s Vineyard school community, Island Superintendent Richie Smith praised both candidates, but cited Squire’s “vast experience as a teacher leader, department leader, curriculum leader, and as a change agent” within the Concord Public School system among the reasons she was chosen. Smith said he and others who met Squire felt she was “principal-ready now.”
“I want to express my deep gratitude to our parents, guardians, and community members for your interest, input, and commitment to the Chilmark School,” he wrote. “I know that you will show this same level of commitment as we welcome and support our new principal of the Chilmark School, Ms. Kate Squire. Kate’s success means the success and growth of our Chilmark School children, and the entire school community as a whole.”
Didn’t we learn from the Edgartown experiment from picking an off island principle?
There are more than enough examples where on Island candidate did not work out. People often do not have the skill set to move up in responsibility.
Hopefully she has a place to live.
From what I understand Ms.Squire does not have a place to live at this time. Was that not considered during an island housing crisis? From what I understand, Ms.Knight was absolutely suitable for the job with an outpouring of support from the community.
Her abilities were considered.
Not housing.
I’ve written and erased my reply to this announcement multiple times over the past twelve hours. I can’t seem to find the right words to express my overwhelming disappointment with the decision made by the interview committee and superintendent Smith.
About a month ago, when the twelve applicants for the Chilmark School principal position was narrowed down to two finalists,I sent in a letter of recommendation for Alicia Fenner Knight. I won’t share it in its entirety, but here is an excerpt:
“Alicia and I got to know each other best during our time serving on the (Chilmark School) PTO and as members of the Chilmark School Task Force which ultimately resulted in us being founding members of the Chilmark Preschool. Alicia, as you know, is not only dedicated to her community, it’s members and their overall well-being, but she is dedicated to the success of her students both in and out of the classroom. She is kind, patient, soft spoken but clear, enthusiastic, dedicated, a true guiding light and one who will take the helm of the Chilmark School with strength, ease and with both her head and heart in the thick of it all. Her life’s work will truly culminate at this moment and our children will benefit from all the time and energy she has put into gearing up for this beautiful match. I can’t imagine you will find a person more qualified or suitable for taking the Chilmark School into her care. Being a Chilmark School alum is a special thing— they all want to see it continue on successfully educating and nurturing future generations and none could do it more professionally, wisely and with tremendous pride than Alicia.”
I am sure Ms. Squire, as quoted by Marie Larsen has “a stellar resume and stellar accomplishments” and I am sure she is a lovely person who has good intentions when it comes to the well-being of our community’s children. My dismay has nothing to do with her credentials, personality, accomplishments, etc.
My dismay is solely based on how anyone could pass over the tremendous opportunity to have a highly qualified, community oriented, dedicated townsperson, passionate educator and life long Chilmarker take over the helm of her alma mater.
I continue to re-read what I have typed and continue to feel my words to not accurately portray just how utterly disappointed I am that the qualified hometown gal was passed over. Truly stunned…
Beautifully said Katie Carroll. I too have begun and deleted many replies. I’ll just DITTO yours and maybe add….. I hear time And again, we need to hire within, and yet here we go again. This is nothing personal regarding the new hire. This is just another situation where folks say one thing then do another. So disappointing.
I echo Katie Carroll’s sentiment and am extremely disappointed with this decision. I’m sure Ms. Squire is a lovely person but, what the heck? The community knows Alicia and what a stellar human she is. This was an idiotic move.