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“The Tucker is a special school and I am so proud of the work we have accomplished,” Echelson told the Times via e-mail. “I have been touched by the close relationships I share with the teachers, families and students of this great school. Although the decision to leave was an extremely difficult one, I was comforted by the fact that so many initiatives have been put in place that will forever be a part of the Tucker culture.
“The quality of instruction that is implemented each day is exceptional and Tucker is destined for greatness. I look forward to hearing about all the school will accomplish and hope to be connected to the Tucker and Milton community for the rest of my professional career.”
Gormley said Echelson would be missed, adding that the program he is entering – Harvard’s Urban Superintendents Program – is exceptionally competitive.
“It’s a huge loss for Milton, and Tucker, and Tucker parents,” she said. “Mr. Echelson is a phenomenal educator. It’s phenomenal for Drew Echelson, but it’s a loss of the town of Milton.”
Gormley said Echelson has been with the school system for three years and previously worked as an intern at Boston’s Murphy Elementary School while earning his master’s degree at Harvard.
Although the superintendent has the final say regarding the appointment of a principal, she said the hiring process generally involves input from teachers, school administrators, parents and the School Committee.
Gormley added that in this case, the process will be complicated because of discussions about a possible budget override, as well as the possibility of the closing of one of the town’s elementary schools.
“We’re speaking with the School Committee about how to proceed,” she said.