Paul Bass File Photo
Damaris Rau is leaving her job as the New Haven public school district’s executive director next month to become superintendent of Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s schools.
The Lancaster District is scheduled vote to approve her appointment at a Tuesday night board meeting, and she will begin her new job July 1.
Rau was promoted to her position as executive director of schools at the end of 2013, supervising school directors Iline Tracey and Kim Johnsky, as well as several principals. She also heads the Early Childhood Department. Before that, she served as a director of instruction, supervising principals and managing a batch of the city’s schools.
“I’m very happy for Damaris,” said New Haven Superintendent Garth Harries. “It’s a level of leadership she’s ready for and has aspired to. She’s been a great force in the district.”
He said the district will work on replacing her in conjunction with its plans to reorganize its leadership positions. The Board of Education approved the creation and posting of two new positions — chief of staff and chief of youth, family, and community engagement — at a meeting in early June. But, Harries said, it is not necessary “to have someone in place July 1st.”
Rau started her career as an early childhood teacher in New York City, later rising to become an assistant principal. She came to New Haven in 2009 from the Greenwich school district, where she served as principal at Hamilton Avenue School.
“We heard that residents wanted a respected career educator who has lengthy experience in urban school systems. And we heard a desire for a leader who will listen intently, build on our strong foundation, and advocate daily for Lancaster’s students and teachers. With Dr. Rau, we have found the person who can continue our legacy of growth towards excellence,” said Board President Stacey Marten, according to a Lancaster district release.
Rau’s salary as superintendent will be $181,000, according to Kelly Burkholder, Lancaster district’s spokesperson. Her salary as New Haven executive director is $146,994. She will replace Lancaster’s former superintendent Pedro Rivera, who left to become state education secretary.
Lancaster’s Board of School Directors held a meet-and-greet Monday at 4:30 p.m. inviting the public to meet Rau before Tuesday’s vote. Rau could not be reached for comment for this article.