As he stood there at the podium, looking out at the full Mt. Hope High School cafeteria, Dr. Jonathon Brice was pleasantly taken aback.
“It is a Monday evening in the middle of July, and we …
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As he stood there at the podium, looking out at the full Mt. Hope High School cafeteria, Dr. Jonathon Brice was pleasantly taken aback.
“It is a Monday evening in the middle of July, and we have a packed cafeteria,” he said. “That really speaks to the commitment this community has.”
July 22 marked Dr. Brice’s first day as interim superintendent of the Bristol Warren Regional School District, replacing recently-resigned Dr. Mario Andrade. Before getting down to business during his first regular school committee meeting, Dr. Brice was full of smiles and laughter as he met with state and town officials, school staff and administration, parents and students during an hour-long meet-and-greet session the committee hosted at 6 pm.
“The only better first day is going to be the first day when schools are open,” he said.
With his 26 years of experience, including positions with the US Department of Education, founding director of the DeBruce Foundation: ThinkShift Collaborative and numerous school districts, strong communication skills and student-focused approach, chairwoman Erin Schofield said Dr. Brice stood out among the other candidates the school committee had considered before voting unanimously to hire him earlier this month.
“We really felt like he was the person to lead us through this time of transition,” she said.
It is an opportunity Dr. Brice said he is excited to have, working to build upon the solid foundation the district already exhibits. While he is on the job, the committee will search for a permanent superintendent.
“I really haven’t heard people say they don’t like our schools or they don’t like our district,” Dr. Brice said. “What I’ve heard them say is ‘you know, it was good, but it could be just a little bit better.’”
In order to do just that, Dr. Brice intends to spend some time getting to know each of the district's six schools better, learning and observing as much as he can, in order to best determine how to help students be their best.
“It’s important to listen, to get perspective, before you take action, and that’s what I plan on doing.”
About Dr. Brice
Prior to his appointment as interim superintendent here, Dr. Brice:
*Served more than 26 years as a teacher, school administrator and executive in five large school districts in Maryland, Florida and Delaware.
*Served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education
* Was a founding director of a non-profit organization focused on improving opportunities for upward mobility in children.
*During his time in education, he has worked from Pre-K to Grade 12. Areas of expertise include alternative education, public information, research and assessment, special education, student services, supporting and evaluating school principals, and technology.
*Has worked as an education consultant for various school districts and organizations including the Southern Poverty Law Center.
*Early last year, the New Rochelle (N.Y.) Board of Education selected him as chairman of a task force on Reducing Violence in the Lives of Children and Youth.