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Tutwiler named new Wayland High principal
Wayland Town Crier
Thursday, March 8, 2007

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary A. Burton has selected Patrick Tutwiler as the next principal of Wayland High School beginning on July 1, 2007. Tutwiler will replace Charles Ruopp, who is retiring in June after serving as the high school’s chief administrator for the past ten years.

From a pool of 23 candidates, Tutwiler emerged as the individual who possessed the professional and personal skills and talents that had been identified as essential for this position. Tutwiler is currently the dean (vice-principal) at Westford Academy in Westford, MA. After an extensive candidate search that involved having 50 individuals (parents, teachers, students, and administrators), Burton interviewed the top four candidates.

"Mr. Tutwiler convinced me and many others that he has the qualities and traits needed to lead an unusually successful high school and manage a highly-performing secondary educational institution," said Burton.

Earlier in his career, Tutwiler served as the assistant headmaster at Boston English High School and taught history at Brighton High School, also in Boston. He has also been an Upward Bound teacher and a trainer of diversity awareness and violence prevention for Americorps. Finally, Tutwiler has been a reading instructor for first graders.

Tutwiler is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He went on to Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where he earned a Master of Education degree in Teaching and Curriculum. Currently, Mr. Tutwiler is attending Boston College, Lynch School of Education, and is a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction.

Superintendent Burton said, "Mr. Tutwiler has an impressive record of instructional leadership in his previous assignments. He is a charismatic and talented individual who will advocate for students, teachers, and parents alike. His references praised his strong sense of vision and his direct focus on learning and teaching. As an administrator, he is comfortable in the classroom, and has earned the respect of the students and teachers with whom he has worked. I am pleased to make this appointment."

Assisting Burton in his selection of Tutwiler were twelve secondary parents, nine teachers, ten district administrators, eight department heads, and eleven students. Tutwiler and three other candidates each spent a full day in Wayland and were questioned at length by the five interviewing committees.

"These individuals provided me with candid feedback on each candidate and, based on their feedback along with extensive reference checks, I believe Mr. Tutwiler is the right person to be the next principal of Wayland High School," said Burton.

Tutwiler met with the School Committee on March 5 and will begin his duties on July 1, 2007.
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