Q&A: New Weymouth Superintendent Kenneth Salim

Dr. Kenneth Salim, a former adminstrator in Boston Public Schools, started his first year as superintendent in Weymouth by having conversations with teachers, staff, students, businesses, town officials and other stakeholders.

Dr. Salim earned a degree in biology from Brown University and master's and doctoral degrees in education from Harvard University. Weymouth Patch spoke with the new superintendent this week about his first steps so far this fall, what he has learned from his conversations and the future of Weymouth schools.

Q: You took a very detail-oriented approach to your Entry Plan, what does that stem from and what does the approach bring to your current position?

A: It is "part of my wiring," Dr. Salim said. "I am definitely an analytical person." At any organization, he added, "The role of a leader is to learn as much as possible before making any major decisions on strategy and even what the goals are."

Working in the Boston Public Schools, Dr. Salim said he tried to found out what was effective, identify gaps and people who can contribute more. He plans to do the same in Weymouth.

Q: What have you learned so far?

A: "[Weymouth] is a community that is very proud of its history and traditions," Dr. Salim said. "People are excited about the capacity that exists here."

Residents are definitely focused on learning, and in taking Weymouth "to the next level," Dr. Salim said.

The superintendent gathered his staff together prior to the first day of school and asked how many people had gone to Weymouth Public Schools. Half of them stood up, he said. And how many have kids in the school system? One third stood.

That personal committment is unusual in a district of this size, Dr. Salim said. "It's a community of 55,000 people. People appreciate that it does feel smaller than that."

Dr. Salim said he has also learned about the value of collaboration among teachers at different schools and different grade levels. "In order for us to improve, it requires us to work together to solve our most complex problems," he said.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face?

A: Time. There is never enough time in the day, Dr. Salim said. "We're trying to be creative and maximize the time we do have."

Q: What are you most excited about?

A: One piece of the puzzle that Dr. Salim said he was excited to pursue is principals as instructional leaders, as educators who can show best practices across schools and levels.

Q: What are some of the benefits and challenges to being a first-time superintendent?

A: Dr. Salim prepared to work as a superintendent when he was studying for his PhD at Harvard through the university's Urban Superintendent Program. He also has an extensive network of colleagues and mentors to use as a "sounding board."

As an administrator in Boston, Dr. Salim was able to create and work with strong educational partnerships, some of which he has brought with him to Weymouth.

"Weymouth is also a size where I can really get involved and wrap my arms around the change we are seeking to catalyze," he said.

Q: How did you become an educator?

A: Dr. Salim grew up in New York City. He participated in track and field and theatre in high school. Over summers and into college, he worked at laboratories and at Brown he would go to area schools to help teach science – his "bridge" from a focus on biology and biomedical research into education.

Later, Dr. Salim work at high schools in Providence and Pawtucket, RI.

Q: You're working with Mayor Susan Kay and Tri-Town to sort out how to support and pay for students from SouthField in Weymouth schools. With the expected growth at the development over the next several years, do you anticipate further challenges?

A: "There will continue to be a lot of energy," Dr. Salim said. "We are working through the details. In the long-term, it's something I'm personally excited about."

The additional students, parents and potential business partnerships will benefit the school system, he said. It is also a unique challenge because it is one area growing in population rather than that growth being spread around town.

"It enhances our school and community," Dr. Salim said.