Mount Greylock High Appoints New Principal
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The appointment of John "Jack" Kurty, a former administrator at the American School in London, as principal was announced on Thursday afternoon. His appointment comes after a three-month, national and online search to fill the position being vacated by Timothy Payne, who took the principal post at Mount Anthony Union Middle School in Bennington, Vt.
The 14-member search committee included Superintendent Rose Ellis and representatives from the Mount Greylock faculty, staff, parent groups, School Committee, and students.
Kurty steps into his post on July 1, the day after Payne leaves.
"I am so delighted to appoint Dr. Kurty as the new principal at Mount Greylock," Ellis said. "This is the result of a highly participatory effort and I cannot imagine a better outcome for Mount Greylock. I am very much looking forward to having Jack on board."
A native of Western Massachusetts and graduate of Westfield High School, Kurty received his bachelor's degree from Colgate University, his master's from Teachers College at Columbia University, and his doctor of education from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. In addition, he earned a master of business administration degree at Keller Graduate School of Management.
He most recently was interim director of curriculum and instruction at the International Community School in London. He spent 10 years in school leadership positions at the American School in London and also was director of special programs and executive director of High Jump at the Latin School of Chicago. He has also been an instructor at National Louis (Ill.) University, Simmons College, and at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School in Maine.
Trained as an Accreditation Team chairman, he has additionally been an active volunteer with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools.
Kurty has experience in mission-driven organizations, program development, teaching and learning. He has taught students in Grades 7 to 12 and coached boys and girls athletics at the middle school and high school level. Outside of school, his interests include coaching, involvement with a wide range of visual and performing arts, and outdoor activities such as skiing, cycling and country walking.
Kurty is relocating to the area from London and said he is eager to become an active member of the community.
"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the students and staff of Mount Greylock Regional School District," Kurty said. "My recent conversations on campus left me impressed with the dedicated faculty, supportive community, and great school spirit at Mount Greylock. I look forward to a positive and productive experience on behalf of students and to leading the continued development of an exceptional school."
Tags: MGRHS, principal,
