Deering Principal Appointed Acting Superintendent
Printer-friendly versionThe Portland Board of Education voted unanimously on June 26 to appoint Deering Principal Ira Waltz as the Portland Public Schools’ acting superintendent. Waltz will assume the position on July 1 and remain in the job until August 31 or when a new superintendent begins work, whichever happens first.
The board is engaged in a national search for a permanent superintendent to replace James C. Morse, Sr. A final decision is expected soon.
“I am very appreciative of Ira Waltz’s willingness to help us through this transition period,” said Board Chair Kate Snyder. She noted that the district’s chiefs of operations, finance and academics also will be involved in the transition.
The board will hold a workshop with Waltz and other staff members on July 2 in Room 250 of Casco Bay High School to discuss plans for the transition. The workshop time will be announced later in the week.
Waltz has served as Deering’s principal since the summer of 2010. He previously served as assistant superintendent of the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District from 2002 to 2010, and he held several administrative positions in the Scarborough schools.
Waltz worked as an administrator for the Portland Public Schools in the 1990s. He served as interim principal at Reiche Community School (1997-1998), Deering’s assistant principal (1996-1997) and as teaching principal at Peaks Island Elementary School (1993-1996).