The Wellesley Public School System has appointed Dr. Charmie Curry as its first director of diversity, equity and inclusion , effective Sept. 16. She has served numerous roles in the Boston Public Schools system as a teacher and principal, and has worked at organizations focused on teacher development and leadership.

She also started off her higher education path with a journalism degree from Temple University, so we give her points for that.

Wellesley had recently narrowed a large pool of applicants to 4 finalists, who had a chance to field questions from and meet the community. In her cover letter to the school system, Dr. Curry described the Wellesley job as a “challenging, yet rewarding opportunity.”

Town Meeting approved funding for the new job in March. According to the job listing, responsibilities include formulating a strategic plan to support district diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; deepening community awareness, understanding, and respect for diversity, equity and inclusion; overseeing the METCO program; and working with the A Better Chance program.

WPS Superintendent Dr. David Lussier thanked staff and community for their participation throughout the selection process.

The interview team included:

Emmanuel Bernardo, WHS student
Bill Craft, guidance counselor
Joan Dabrowski, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning
Effa Fouda, WHS student
Jenn Hannon, ESL teacher
Yasmine Jaffier-Williams, WHS student
KC Kato, town clerk
Betsy Komjathy, parent
Sadhana Mandala, WHS student
Gayle McCracken, sirector of human resources
Tinea Rochelle, Co-President, Friends of Wellesley METCO
Rachel Saphire, associate rabbi, Temple Beth Elohim
Doreen Ward, METCO director

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