Philosophy - Why I Chose Education
I chose education nearly 35 years ago because I wanted to have an opportunity to mold young people of all races, creeds, intellectual abilities, and economic backgrounds. The specifics of why I chose this career path are very personal.
My father was a high school health sciences teacher, coach, and athletic director. When I got out of elementary school each day, I would catch a ride to see him at North Charleston High School. I was required to first do my homework, but as soon as I did, I could watch practice, fill water bottles, and even repair football helmets. I lived for that final school bell to see him and his players every day. Friday nights during football and basketball season were special as nearly the whole close-knit town turned out for games. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t last. My Dad developed a heart condition. It was over, seemingly, before it started.
I lost my Dad forty years ago. He was 38; I was 14. Although he had been sick for quite some time, it caught me off guard. Bill Runey, Sr. was not a man who displayed much vulnerability. I would not have traded those 14 years with him for 100 with anybody else. I was able to stay by his side through so many football and basketball games. It was a great way to grow up. However, it wasn't always easy. He lived by the saying ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’ ... tough love for sure. Although I was the oldest, his players always provided me with an abundance of big brothers. I was always ‘Little Bill’. My family was among the ultimate North Charleston High School Blue Devils fans. That school will be burned into my memory forever. It reminds me so much of the culture of so many of the schools in Massachusetts - great communities for your kids to grow up. He taught me so much about the value of hard work, preparation, and leadership. He also displayed an appreciation for all of his students. Players who lived in the projects piled into our red Buick Opel for a ride home. A student with muscular dystrophy was given responsibilities with the basketball team, and “Coach Runey” let him pose with the state championship trophy as an integral part of the team. Current players and graduates would frequent our home in hopes of getting to join us for dinner. My Dad made a difference. I try to follow in his footsteps every day.
If I join your district, I will work to impact lives as my Dad did. I have been able to do so in my roles as teacher, coach, Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I want to do so on a grander scale.
I believe that I possess the qualities, experience, and abilities that qualify me as the best candidate to assume the duties and responsibilities of a leadership position in your district.
As an educational leader, I take great pride in the communication I facilitate between and among all stakeholders, faculty and staff, and students. Ensuring that all members of the school community have access to timely and accurate information related to the overall operation of the school system is one of my most important priorities that I have successfully addressed through the organization and facilitation of teacher leadership teams, use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and traditional communication tools such as newsletters, email, and press releases. The development of various collaborative teams to share in the decision-making and future of our school has only strengthened my ability to lead initiatives and attain excellence.
Under my leadership, Attleboro High School has evolved into a nationally recognized school that exemplifies the tenets of a professional learning community where the culture is defined by a common vision and shared leadership. If given the opportunity to serve as a leader in your district, I am confident that I can work with you to reach even greater heights.
Resume
Link to Cover Letter
2012-Present
Attleboro High School, Attleboro, MA
Principal
Leadership and organization of all facets contributing to a school climate based on relevant, engaging, and inspiring curricular and extracurricular experiences for the Flagship school within the Attleboro Public Schools. Please see relevant experiences below.
Coordination of a $260M construction project and $5M stadium renovation including marketing, community commitment building, and communication with stakeholders. Please see relevant experiences below.
2006-2012
Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, MA
Principal
Student supervision and development resulting in 67 National Merit Scholars from 2007-2012.
Leadership in school and organization administration, instruction, assessment, and curricula development and implementation; as well as personnel selection, supervision, evaluation, and retention.
Professional development leadership, facilitation, and coordination.
1988-2006
Bishop England High School, Charleston, South Carolina
Vice Principal
Collaboration with teachers and staff to ensure a positive, safe, and academically-challenging learning environment.
Supervisor of campus relocation when new building was completed in 1998.
Facilities Committee Co-chair and Liaison for Performing Arts Center construction project.
Dean of Students
Responsible for discipline, attendance, and academic progress of students.
Mathematics Teacher
College preparatory Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.
TEACHING & LEARNING LEADERSHIP
Cut dropout rate from a 7-year average of 3.8% to a 7-year average of 1.7%.
Increased Graduation Rate from a 7-year average of 82.5% to a 7-year average of 91.4%
Collaborated on published article about leadership during a pandemic (click here).
Facilitated technology initiatives including 1:1 Chromebook implementation.
Participated in development of Social Emotional Learning strategies to focus on the mental health of students.
Reinstated Guidance Coordinator position to increase student success.
Presented PD to New York City Teacher’s Union on integration of S.T.E.M. skills and Arts infusion.
Collaborated on formation of 12+ program to provide transition education for Special Education students.
Collaborated on transition of the Evening Diploma Program to the Chapter 70-approved Attleboro Community Academy (ACA) thus increasing Chapter 70 allocations to the district.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE CONNECTIONS
Started confidential Pride Pantry to benefit students and families in need. Click here.
Participant in 8 sessions devoted to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Neighbors in Dialogue. Specific attention was devoted to hiring practices. Sample agenda - Click here.
Secured donations for 12+ Special Education students to receive YMCA memberships.
Charter member of Attleboro Public Schools’ Leadership Advisory Board (LAB): a joint management committee with equal representation from the Teachers’ Union and Administration.
Publicized student and staff accomplishments through the Washington Post, ESPN.com, NECN, CBS Boston, Sun Chronicle, DoubleACS, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Click for Samples
Partnered with the Sun Chronicle to feature BLUE PRIDE Person of the Week.
Accompanied English Learner (EL) students to City Hall for presentation on local government.
Member of the YMCA of Attleboro Board of Incorporators
ENGAGEMENT ENDEAVORS
Forged strong relationships with area leaders including U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy, III, Sen. Richard Ross, Rep. Elizabeth Poirier, Mayor Paul Heroux, and School Committee Chairperson, Stephen K. Withers.
Initiated Aspen Parent Portal in 2012 to enhance partnership between home and school.
Started “BluEmail” mass emails via Aspen and delivered Professional Development to other administrators.
Communicated regularly via the Sun Chronicle, DoubleACS, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Organized visits to grades 7 & 8 in all APS middle schools twice a year.
Initiated visits to grade 4 students in all APS elementary schools this spring to promote AHS.
INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES
Co-facilitated the process of the design of the new $260M Attleboro High School through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) including the feasibility study; public forums; budget consultation; design input; community communication; and construction oversight.
Informed the stakeholders in the City of Attleboro about the financial benefits of partnering with the MSBA.
Displayed strong leadership and media presence in various critical incidents including death of a staff member, death of a student, COVID-19, bomb-threat evacuation, and negative scrutiny of student conduct.
Coordination of the design and construction with the protect engineers (Consigli Construction), architects (Kaestle Boos architects), and project manager (Skanska USA).
BUDGETARY INITIATIVES
Created an academic booster club, the Blue Pride Ambassadors Club (BPAC), who in 6 years has raised nearly $325,000 to directly benefit AHS students and staff, primarily with the purchase of technology.
Assisted Special Education Director in assessing Out-of-District placements in hopes of providing supports for those students in-district and recouping tuitions.
Participated in the fundraising efforts of nearly $600,000 to assist in renovation of the AHS Stadium/Tozier-Cassidy Field.
Started new Chapter 74/vocational programs which led to students returning to AHS from Tri-County, thus eliminating those tuitions; increasing Chapter 70 allocations; and resulting in Chapter 74 allotment per student.
Initiated Student Admissions Ambassadors to host ‘shadows’ from Bishop Feehan, Foxboro Regional Charter, and St. John’s. *To date: over 90% of all shadows have enrolled at AHS. Doing so has increased Chapter 70 monies.
Responsible for appropriate allocation of nearly $13 million budget at Attleboro High School.
Provided leadership of four construction projects which involved new construction of 40-acre, 1000-student high school in Charleston, SC; subsequent addition of Performing Arts wing to said high school; renovation of a vacant structure into a Media Center/Classroom facility; rehabilitation of AHS stadium complex; and relocation during aforementioned projects.
Secured donations of classroom technology for ELL and Special Education Programs.
SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Story of a School seminar, October 2016
Massachusetts Association of Public Purchasing Officials Seminar, February 2019
Examining the Massachusetts Model System for New Education Evaluation Regulations, Project Lead, DESE, September 2012
HONORS
Massachusetts Principal of the Year Nominee 2016
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Award for initiating Unified Sports in 2019
Summa Cum Laude, Northeastern University Doctoral Program
Summa Cum Laude graduate, The Citadel- Master of Education Program
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
National Association of Secondary Principals (NASSP)
Massachusetts Schools Administrators Association (MSAA)
Massachusetts Institutional Athletic Association (MIAA)
EDUCATION (Official transcripts available upon request.)
Northeastern University - 2008-2013
Boston, MA
Doctoral Candidate- Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) program- Educational Leadership K-12
The Citadel - 1993
Charleston, SC
Master of Education in School Administration
Clemson University - 1988
Clemson, SC
Bachelor of Arts in Education- Concentration in Secondary Education, Mathematics
CERTIFICATION
Massachusetts Superintendent of Schools
Massachusetts Secondary Administrator
I chose education nearly 35 years ago because I wanted to have an opportunity to mold young people of all races, creeds, intellectual abilities, and economic backgrounds. The specifics of why I chose this career path are very personal.
My father was a high school health sciences teacher, coach, and athletic director. When I got out of elementary school each day, I would catch a ride to see him at North Charleston High School. I was required to first do my homework, but as soon as I did, I could watch practice, fill water bottles, and even repair football helmets. I lived for that final school bell to see him and his players every day. Friday nights during football and basketball season were special as nearly the whole close-knit town turned out for games. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t last. My Dad developed a heart condition. It was over, seemingly, before it started.
I lost my Dad forty years ago. He was 38; I was 14. Although he had been sick for quite some time, it caught me off guard. Bill Runey, Sr. was not a man who displayed much vulnerability. I would not have traded those 14 years with him for 100 with anybody else. I was able to stay by his side through so many football and basketball games. It was a great way to grow up. However, it wasn't always easy. He lived by the saying ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’ ... tough love for sure. Although I was the oldest, his players always provided me with an abundance of big brothers. I was always ‘Little Bill’. My family was among the ultimate North Charleston High School Blue Devils fans. That school will be burned into my memory forever. It reminds me so much of the culture of so many of the schools in Massachusetts - great communities for your kids to grow up. He taught me so much about the value of hard work, preparation, and leadership. He also displayed an appreciation for all of his students. Players who lived in the projects piled into our red Buick Opel for a ride home. A student with muscular dystrophy was given responsibilities with the basketball team, and “Coach Runey” let him pose with the state championship trophy as an integral part of the team. Current players and graduates would frequent our home in hopes of getting to join us for dinner. My Dad made a difference. I try to follow in his footsteps every day.
If I join your district, I will work to impact lives as my Dad did. I have been able to do so in my roles as teacher, coach, Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I want to do so on a grander scale.
I believe that I possess the qualities, experience, and abilities that qualify me as the best candidate to assume the duties and responsibilities of a leadership position in your district.
As an educational leader, I take great pride in the communication I facilitate between and among all stakeholders, faculty and staff, and students. Ensuring that all members of the school community have access to timely and accurate information related to the overall operation of the school system is one of my most important priorities that I have successfully addressed through the organization and facilitation of teacher leadership teams, use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and traditional communication tools such as newsletters, email, and press releases. The development of various collaborative teams to share in the decision-making and future of our school has only strengthened my ability to lead initiatives and attain excellence.
Under my leadership, Attleboro High School has evolved into a nationally recognized school that exemplifies the tenets of a professional learning community where the culture is defined by a common vision and shared leadership. If given the opportunity to serve as a leader in your district, I am confident that I can work with you to reach even greater heights.
Resume
Link to Cover Letter
2012-Present
Attleboro High School, Attleboro, MA
Principal
Leadership and organization of all facets contributing to a school climate based on relevant, engaging, and inspiring curricular and extracurricular experiences for the Flagship school within the Attleboro Public Schools. Please see relevant experiences below.
Coordination of a $260M construction project and $5M stadium renovation including marketing, community commitment building, and communication with stakeholders. Please see relevant experiences below.
2006-2012
Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, MA
Principal
Student supervision and development resulting in 67 National Merit Scholars from 2007-2012.
Leadership in school and organization administration, instruction, assessment, and curricula development and implementation; as well as personnel selection, supervision, evaluation, and retention.
Professional development leadership, facilitation, and coordination.
1988-2006
Bishop England High School, Charleston, South Carolina
Vice Principal
Collaboration with teachers and staff to ensure a positive, safe, and academically-challenging learning environment.
Supervisor of campus relocation when new building was completed in 1998.
Facilities Committee Co-chair and Liaison for Performing Arts Center construction project.
Dean of Students
Responsible for discipline, attendance, and academic progress of students.
Mathematics Teacher
College preparatory Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.
TEACHING & LEARNING LEADERSHIP
Cut dropout rate from a 7-year average of 3.8% to a 7-year average of 1.7%.
Increased Graduation Rate from a 7-year average of 82.5% to a 7-year average of 91.4%
Collaborated on published article about leadership during a pandemic (click here).
Facilitated technology initiatives including 1:1 Chromebook implementation.
Participated in development of Social Emotional Learning strategies to focus on the mental health of students.
Reinstated Guidance Coordinator position to increase student success.
Presented PD to New York City Teacher’s Union on integration of S.T.E.M. skills and Arts infusion.
Collaborated on formation of 12+ program to provide transition education for Special Education students.
Collaborated on transition of the Evening Diploma Program to the Chapter 70-approved Attleboro Community Academy (ACA) thus increasing Chapter 70 allocations to the district.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE CONNECTIONS
Started confidential Pride Pantry to benefit students and families in need. Click here.
Participant in 8 sessions devoted to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Neighbors in Dialogue. Specific attention was devoted to hiring practices. Sample agenda - Click here.
Secured donations for 12+ Special Education students to receive YMCA memberships.
Charter member of Attleboro Public Schools’ Leadership Advisory Board (LAB): a joint management committee with equal representation from the Teachers’ Union and Administration.
Publicized student and staff accomplishments through the Washington Post, ESPN.com, NECN, CBS Boston, Sun Chronicle, DoubleACS, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Click for Samples
Partnered with the Sun Chronicle to feature BLUE PRIDE Person of the Week.
Accompanied English Learner (EL) students to City Hall for presentation on local government.
Member of the YMCA of Attleboro Board of Incorporators
ENGAGEMENT ENDEAVORS
Forged strong relationships with area leaders including U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy, III, Sen. Richard Ross, Rep. Elizabeth Poirier, Mayor Paul Heroux, and School Committee Chairperson, Stephen K. Withers.
Initiated Aspen Parent Portal in 2012 to enhance partnership between home and school.
Started “BluEmail” mass emails via Aspen and delivered Professional Development to other administrators.
Communicated regularly via the Sun Chronicle, DoubleACS, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Organized visits to grades 7 & 8 in all APS middle schools twice a year.
Initiated visits to grade 4 students in all APS elementary schools this spring to promote AHS.
INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES
Co-facilitated the process of the design of the new $260M Attleboro High School through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) including the feasibility study; public forums; budget consultation; design input; community communication; and construction oversight.
Informed the stakeholders in the City of Attleboro about the financial benefits of partnering with the MSBA.
Displayed strong leadership and media presence in various critical incidents including death of a staff member, death of a student, COVID-19, bomb-threat evacuation, and negative scrutiny of student conduct.
Coordination of the design and construction with the protect engineers (Consigli Construction), architects (Kaestle Boos architects), and project manager (Skanska USA).
BUDGETARY INITIATIVES
Created an academic booster club, the Blue Pride Ambassadors Club (BPAC), who in 6 years has raised nearly $325,000 to directly benefit AHS students and staff, primarily with the purchase of technology.
Assisted Special Education Director in assessing Out-of-District placements in hopes of providing supports for those students in-district and recouping tuitions.
Participated in the fundraising efforts of nearly $600,000 to assist in renovation of the AHS Stadium/Tozier-Cassidy Field.
Started new Chapter 74/vocational programs which led to students returning to AHS from Tri-County, thus eliminating those tuitions; increasing Chapter 70 allocations; and resulting in Chapter 74 allotment per student.
Initiated Student Admissions Ambassadors to host ‘shadows’ from Bishop Feehan, Foxboro Regional Charter, and St. John’s. *To date: over 90% of all shadows have enrolled at AHS. Doing so has increased Chapter 70 monies.
Responsible for appropriate allocation of nearly $13 million budget at Attleboro High School.
Provided leadership of four construction projects which involved new construction of 40-acre, 1000-student high school in Charleston, SC; subsequent addition of Performing Arts wing to said high school; renovation of a vacant structure into a Media Center/Classroom facility; rehabilitation of AHS stadium complex; and relocation during aforementioned projects.
Secured donations of classroom technology for ELL and Special Education Programs.
SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Story of a School seminar, October 2016
Massachusetts Association of Public Purchasing Officials Seminar, February 2019
Examining the Massachusetts Model System for New Education Evaluation Regulations, Project Lead, DESE, September 2012
HONORS
Massachusetts Principal of the Year Nominee 2016
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Award for initiating Unified Sports in 2019
Summa Cum Laude, Northeastern University Doctoral Program
Summa Cum Laude graduate, The Citadel- Master of Education Program
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
National Association of Secondary Principals (NASSP)
Massachusetts Schools Administrators Association (MSAA)
Massachusetts Institutional Athletic Association (MIAA)
EDUCATION (Official transcripts available upon request.)
Northeastern University - 2008-2013
Boston, MA
Doctoral Candidate- Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) program- Educational Leadership K-12
The Citadel - 1993
Charleston, SC
Master of Education in School Administration
Clemson University - 1988
Clemson, SC
Bachelor of Arts in Education- Concentration in Secondary Education, Mathematics
CERTIFICATION
Massachusetts Superintendent of Schools
Massachusetts Secondary Administrator