Former Boston Public Schools Superintendent Michael Contompasis has been named interim headmaster of the Boston Latin School.
The pick comes a week after former headmaster Lynne Mooney Teta resigned following controversy over her handling of alleged incidents of racism at the school. Protests followed her resignation, during which teachers disrupted a press conference by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, who declined their request to deny Teta's resignation.
This is Contompasis's second time around as headmaster of Boston Latin—he also did the job from 1976 to 1998. Contompasis graduated from the school in 1957, and later taught biology and chemistry there. He was named chief operating officer for BPS in 1998, and worked as superintendent of schools under Mayor Thomas Menino from 2005 to 2007.
"I understand firsthand that we all have a duty to preserve Boston Latin's mission of providing the very best quality of public education," Contompasis, 76, said in a statement. "That includes making sure all of our students, faculty, and staff feel safe and supported."
"I have every confidence that Michael Contompasis and Jerry Howland have the deep experience, knowledge, and passion necessary to guide Boston Latin School through this transitional process," Chang said in a statement. "Together, they will ensure that this historic institution both upholds its tradition of unparalleled academic excellence and serves as a model for a safe and welcoming school environment for all. They have dedicated their lives to educating students in Boston, and have a thorough understanding of the unique issues currently facing Boston Latin School."
BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang announced the pick Tuesday afternoon. Jerry Howland has been named associate headmaster, and Alexandra Montes McNeil has been named instructional superintendent. Chang plans to name a pair of co-chairs for a search committee to find a permanent headmaster, and plans to name that person in March.
"Superintendent Chang has made a thoughtful decision in naming Mr. Contompasis and Mr. Howland to the lead Boston Latin School as we search for a permanent head master," Walsh said in a statement. "They have deep ties to Boston Public Schools and proven track records of making decisions that are the best interests of the children and families of the city of Boston."