KIPP Delta Public School is pleased to announce the appointment of William Hill as executive director of the five-school charter school region.
Hill is a veteran educator, having served as a teacher, principal, executive director, external partner, and other leadership roles at public and charter schools across the United States. He most recently served as a regional executive director with Partners in School Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to helping urban schools and districts across the country improve educational outcomes for students of color. Hill assumed the executive director role on July 1.
“I am drawn to KIPP Delta by the fantastic opportunity to co-create a world-class school district here in the Delta,” Hill said. “I see KIPP Delta as an organization that provides academically excellent and joyful schools that continuously improve and support each of our students to realize their dreams and develop the character and habits of mind essential for college and career readiness, and global citizenship.”
Hill replaces founding KIPP Delta Executive Director Scott Shirey, who left KIPP Delta last year. Hill’s appointment comes following a year-long, national search.
“We spent months looking for the right person who not only had the qualifications to lead KIPP Delta, but who would also be great for our communities,” said Lisa John-Adams, who chairs KIPP Delta’s Board of Directors. “I am pleased to have Mr. William Hill join our KIPP family as our executive director. His wealth of experience leading and helping districts with performance achievements, creating visions of successful district transformation, and implementing strategic plans to bring those visions to life, make him the ideal leader to move KIPP Delta forward in an impactful way.”
Hill is familiar with the Delta region, having spent time earlier in his career supporting school districts in Sunflower County, Mississippi. From that experience, he said he gained an appreciation for the rich history of the Delta, and of its people.
“The Delta played a significant role in African Americans’ fight for civil rights and our country’s struggle to realize its ambitious goal of justice for all,” he said. “In many ways, the Delta is hallowed ground. Given our current climate and the challenges in our country, I can’t think of better people to do this extraordinary work with or a better place to do it.”
While the planning process for the upcoming school year have not been finalized, KIPP plans to announce plans in the coming weeks, following a survey sent to both parents and staff to collect feedback on potential reopening scenarios.
“I know these are uncertain times,” Hill said. “Please know our entire team is hard at work ensuring that our schools can reopen in the safest and most effective way possible. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks.”
As he begins his tenure as executive director, Hill said he is excited by the opportunity to help and support students, families, and team members on their journey to become the best versions of themselves. He said he is drawn to challenging situations that require thoughtful engagement, holistic solutions, and continuous improvement.
“I am a living witness that our children’s academic limitations are only bound by the adults’ expectations in their lives,” he said. “If we expect more of our students, believe they already are capable, brilliant, and dynamic people, and provide consistent, high-quality instruction that aligns to our unwavering beliefs about our children’s potential, then the sky ceases to be the limit of their possibilities and becomes merely a stepping stone on their way through the galaxy.”
KIPP Delta is planning a “Virtual Meet-and-Greet” for families and community members to meet with Hill. This event will take place via Zoom at 4 p.m. Friday, July 10. For more information, visit KIPP Delta’s website at kippdelta.org/meet-greet-mr-william-hill.
With schools in Helena and Blytheville, KIPP Delta is part of a national network of college-preparatory, public charter schools guiding students on the path to and through college, careers, and life. KIPP schools are free, and enrollment is open to all students. KIPP is rooted in the principle that great teachers and school leaders, a supportive learning environment, and high standards for both academics and character are the foundation for student success. KIPP is now enrolling students for 2020-21 school year. Anyone interested in learning more can visit www.kippdelta.org/enroll.
Contact
Jamie Benjamin, Marketing Coordinator, KIPP Delta Public Schools
870-714-5654
