Maher selected as interim superintendent of Providence Schools

PROVIDENCE – Christopher Ndeki Maher has been named interim superintendent of Providence Schools following a unanimous vote by the Providence School Board Monday, completing the collaborative search process between the board and the mayor.
According to a news release, Maher will assume the role at the end of the school year after the departure of Susan Lusi.
Maher previously worked at public education consultancy firm Mass Insight Education, which worked directly with the Providence school district to increase student achievement. The firm recently completed an audit that concluded that the Providence school district’s central administration must be transformed before it can meet its goals. Maher is Mass Insight’s president, previously serving as vice president from 2012 to 2014.
“I am very pleased with the board’s unanimous decision to appoint Chris Maher as interim superintendent. The main priority of our collaborative search process was to find an interim superintendent who will continue to move Providence schools forward,” Mayor Jorge O. Elorza said in a statement. “Chris is a proven leader who shares my vision for raising academic achievement, engaging our community and creating a school department that serves our students and families effectively. I am confident he will provide the leadership and experience we need to begin plans for restructuring central administration and helping the district move towards school-based autonomy.”
“Chris Maher has helped guide the Providence Public School District’s current strategic direction, and has played an integral role in assessing central administration’s function,” said School Board President Keith Oliveira. “He has demonstrated creative, thoughtful and collaborative leadership styles – all qualities the Providence School Board was looking for in the interim superintendent. Because of his familiarity with the district and key personnel, the board and Mayor Elorza feel Chris will transition seamlessly into the district.”
Prior to his position at Mass Insight, Maher has worked as a principal, teacher and public school advocate.
Maher holds a graduate certificate in school administration and supervision from Johns Hopkins University, and a master of public administration from New York University.
The Providence School Board and Elorza began searching for an interim superintendent days after Lusi’s announcement last month to resign her post effective June 30. Potential candidates were interviewed by the board and the Mayor.
Mayer will serve as interim superintendent for one year while the board continues a comprehensive search for a permanent superintendent, which will offer multiple opportunities for engagement with community stakeholders. Maher is eligible to apply for the position, and must go through the entire process adopted by the board and community. The board plans to release a timeline for the permanent search process in the coming weeks.

No posts to display