Gene Schmidt Is New Cos Cob School Principal

Gene Schmidt, the assistant principal of Julian Curtiss School, has been appointed the principal of Cos Cob School.

The appointment, which is effective July 1, was announced Wednesday afternoon by Greenwich School Schools Superintendent William S. McKersie. Schmidt will fill the vacancy created by the resignation earlier this year by Kimberly Beck, who became an assistant school superintendent in Ridgefield. Former Greenwich school principal Nancy Carbone came out retirement to be Cos Cob's interim  principal in January.

Schmidt is an experienced international, national, and local elementary school educator who joined the Greenwich Public Schools in 2000 as a fourth-grade teacher at the International School at Dundee (ISD), becoming Assistant Principal for the school in 2008. In 2011, Schmidt became the assistant principal for Julian Curtiss School (JCS), co-leading the JCS School Data Team and chairing the school’s Student Assistant Team (SAT). 

In a prepared statement, McKersie said, “Gene Schmidt is the perfect leader for Cos Cob School. His record of guiding schools to academic excellence, shared values, and full attention to the social and emotional needs of students and staff will ensure that the Phoenix of Cos Cob School rises to even higher levels. Cos Cob can expect many years of strong and compassionate leadership from Mr. Schmidt."

Schmidt, in a statement released by the district, said, “Cos Cob School is a school that embraces its rich history, traditions and culture. I am eager and excited to be a part of this dynamic school community and to collaborate with all of the stakeholders as we plan a path together to guide our students to their highest possible potential. I look forward to many years as Cos Cob School principal as we continue to do what we love, helping students on their journey towards academic excellence.”

Here is what Greenwich Public Schools also said in their announcement:

"Dr. McKersie has appointed Mr. Schmidt as Principal of Cos Cob School after an extensive recruitment, interview and reference checking process. The interview committee included District administrators and representatives from the Cos Cob School teaching staff and parent body, interviewing a pool of highly qualified internal and external candidates.

"Cos Cob School teacher Stephen Babyak said, “I was thrilled to hear of the appointment of Gene Schmidt as principal of Cos Cob School. Cos Cob is a community known for family and tradition, and Gene has the leadership qualities and personality to preserve what we value so much.”

"Cos Cob School parent Lisa Ellis remarked, “I believe that Gene's diverse background will be an asset for our community. His familiarity with both the district and our school will enable him to hit the ground running!'

"The search to fill the Assistant Principal vacancy at Julian Curtiss School will begin immediately. 

"Schmidt has taught all grade levels, K-5 and Art classes – in traditional, multi-age, dual grade and international settings. He has participated in numerous school and District initiatives, including multiple curriculum reviews, school improvement team committees, and community service programs. He has served on one of the District’s most pivotal committees, the Teacher Evaluation and Professional Learning (TEPL) Committee. Mr. Schmidt has assumed leadership roles throughout his career, including Chair of ISD’s Social Emotional Learning Committee, as a member of the Greenwich Education Association’s Board of Directors since 2001, and as an International Baccalaureate Trainer/Presenter since 2005. In 2008, he was named Assistant Principal of the International School at Dundee and was instrumental in preparing the school for its second International Baccalaureate self-study and Evaluation Visit.

"Mr. Schmidt taught at the Whitten Elementary School in Marianna, AK from 1974 to 1976, the Sidney Central School in Sidney, NY from 1976 to 1979, and after a six-year hiatus to work in private industry, he returned to teaching at the Surfside Elementary School in Melbourne, FL from 1985 to 1987. From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Schmidt taught at the Riviera Elementary School in Palm Bay, FL during which time he participated in a Fulbright Teacher Exchange. Traveling to Leeds, UK, Mr. Schmidt taught at the 7 Hills Infant and Primary School for the 1991-92 school year. He was also recognized as an exemplary teacher receiving the 1993-94 Teacher of the Year from this district. In 1996, he moved to Milan, Italy to teach at the American School, returning to the States in 2000 to accept a teaching position with the International School at Dundee. He was again recognized for his teaching accomplishments in receiving the Greenwich Distinguished Teacher Award in 2005.

"Mr. Schmidt received his B.S. in Elementary Education from State University College in Oneonta, NY in 1974; his Masters in International Education from Framingham State College in Framingham, MA in 1998; and his Administrative Certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT in 2007.