Greenwich School Principal Announces Resignation

Cynthia Womack, who has led the Hamilton Avenue School (HAS) as principal for the past five years, will be leaving the school at the end of this school year.

In an announcement released by Greenwich Public Schools Friday afternoon, Womack said she will be getting married and relocating to Maryland. She has been principal at HAS since 2010.

In her notification to Superintendent William McKersie, Womack said she wants to provide ample notice of her intentions in order to provide the time necessary to search for and appoint a new principal, according to the announcement.

During her five-year tenure at HAS, Womack has developed strategies for improving student performance and closing gaps in achievement. She was instrumental in launching a Digital Learning Environment at HAS as a Phase I school, leading the district and her school in this initiative, according to the district. She has also supported the charge to explore and transition the school’s magnet theme to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM.)

McKersie said in a statement, “Ms. Womack has been a strong leader for Hamilton Avenue School and a dedicated member of the district’s leadership team. I have been able to count on Ms. Womack standing up for what is best for her students, families and staff.”

McKersie also said, “Her early leadership on Digital Learning and now on the emerging STEM theme has been vital. I applaud Ms. Womack for letting us know early about her future plans so that we can begin immediately a national search for a new principal. The timing of Ms. Womack’s announcement speaks to her deep commitment to always do what is best for her school community. She will leave a strong legacy at Hamilton Avenue.”

Womack said, “My time with the Greenwich Public Schools and, in particular, with the Hamilton Avenue School community has been a wonderful experience. I am sad to leave the students, staff and families of HAS, but look forward to my upcoming marriage, move to Maryland, and new opportunities in education leadership.”

She added, “With the new STEM magnet theme and the Centennial celebration next year, the school is about to embark upon a new era for the Chickahominy community. I see nothing but a very bright future for the school. I have no doubt that Hamilton Avenue School will continue to be a huge success and a vibrant part of this wonderful community.”

A national search for her successor will begin immediately. HAS staff and parents will work with District personnel in a structured process to provide input on the recommendations for a new principal. McKersie will make the final decision in selecting the new principal for Hamilton Avenue School.

Womack, a veteran educator with more than 25 years of experience, is a former teacher who came to Greenwich from the Manchester Public School district where she was a magnet school principal for 11 years.

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Photo: Hamilton Avenue School Principal Cynthia Womack. Credit: Barbara Heins.