Klompus joined the BArT team in 2006 as the dean of students and assumed the principal position in 2008. During his tenure at BArT, the school has been recognized statewide and nationally for its academic success by Gov. Deval Patrick, New Leaders for New Schools and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Klompus played a critical part in shaping the school's academic program, building a team of inspired educators and educator-leaders and developing systems within the school to support each student at his or her own academic level. The school was recently identified as a Level 1 school by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and its charter was renewed in January for a third charter term.

 

"Principal Klompus will be sorely missed, but we are thrilled that he is going on to continue his education," said Julia Bowen, executive director of the school. "He is a tremendous leader already, and I look forward to seeing him have an even greater impact on our country's education system as a result of Harvard's doctoral program."

 

The school has launched a search for a new principal with the expectation that Klompus will transition responsibilities to the new principal through the summer.

 

The next principal will have the opportunity to build upon BArT's current program and the expansion of the school from 300 to 363 students.