Winchester School Committee unanimously approves Heidi Pesner Rothman as assistant superintendent for elementary education

The Winchester School Committee voted unanimously to approve a three-year contract appointing Dr. Heidi Pesner Rothman as assistant superintendent for elementary education for the Winchester Public Schools.

Chair opened the committee's remarks about the hire by describing the search process and the finalist pool, saying Dr. Pesner Rothman "quickly rose to the top, in terms of the committee members," after completing a professional learning sample and interviews. Committee members cited her lengthy experience in elementary education and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction as assets for upcoming district-wide work on early literacy, math curriculum review and social-emotional learning.

Miss Munyarji, the committee's vice chair and timekeeper during public comment, welcomed the appointment and said she appreciated the summer work to complete the process ahead of the new school year. Miss Bullenese and Mister Hopcroft also praised Pesner Rothman's presentations and community materials.

After a motion by the chair and a second, the committee took a roll-call vote and approved the appointment, with each member voting "aye." Chair said the committee will formally welcome Dr. Pesner Rothman at an upcoming in-person meeting.

Dr. Pesner Rothman thanked the committee and said she looked forward to working with the district's staff and families.

The committee's action was a formal hire and does not by itself change district policy; it fills the staff role the superintendent recommended and positions the district leadership team for planned curriculum work in the coming school year.