After serving as acting/interim principal at North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS) since April 2017, Keith O'Rourke will officially start the 2018-19 school year as the new principal of NBIS. A press release issued by North Branford Board of Education (BOE) announced O'Rourke's appointment as principal of NBIS. The BOE also wished O'Rourke the best of luck in his new role. NBIS serves the town's students in grades 6 - 8.

O'Rourke had served as NBIS acting/interim principal since April of 2017, stepping in during a medical leave for former principal Alan Davis as he battled cancer with wide support from the NBIS community and the town. In August 2017, the district announced Davis' retirement, following 43 years of service to North Branford Public Schools. O'Rourke helped lead the NBIS community as it coped with the passing of Davis in October of 2017.  

O'Rourke previously served NBIS as assistant principal from August 2013 - March 2017.  He holds a B.S. in History and Secondary Education from Hofstra University, a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Fairfield University, and certification in Intermediate Administration and Supervision from Sacred Heart University.

The middle school educator of twenty years started his career teaching eighth grade Social Studies with Fairfield Public Schools. While teaching at Fairfield's Roger Ludlowe Middle School, O'Rourke also served as Department Liaison for Social Studies and Dean of Students before joining North Branford Public Schools in 2013.

"During his tenure, Mr. O'Rourke has worked diligently with stakeholder groups to guide NBIS through the academic, social, and emotional challenges that both typically characterize a middle school and have epitomized recent times," the BOE stated. "He has overseen efforts to increase student achievement, reform school improvement initiatives, and promote a safe and positive school climate."

Under O'Rourke's leadership, NBIS redesigned the school schedule to give all students Academic Support Time (an increase in instructional contact time in the core subject areas), and headed up refining how at-risk students are identified through the Response to Intervention process.  During the 2017-18 school year, NBIS was awarded exemplary "Positive School Climate Status" by the Connecticut Association of Schools. 

"This accolade was awarded following a rigorous application and review, and NBIS is one of only six middle schools in the state with the rating," the press release noted. "School climate initiatives such as NBIS PRIDE, The Davis Way, and the ADL Peer Leaders have reflected Mr. O'Rourke's commitment to making NBIS a safe and welcoming place for everyone."

NBIS PRIDE is part of a schoolwide focus on building a safe and positive learning environment for all students, with the acronym PRIDE representing expectations of Productivity, Respect, Integrity, Dependability and Empathy. The Davis Way installation arrived at NBIS last year. It is both a visible tribute to Davis and recognizes his contribution to the NBIS learning experience and positive school climate philosophy, through his examples of educational leadership, character, integrity, generosity and community support. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Peer Leaders program is a student group trained by ADL to help NBIS facilitate and sustain positive social change in the school.  

According to the BOE press release, O'Rourke's work in the coming year will continue growing upon "...current school climate initiatives and programs, implementing the Readers Workshop model for English Language Arts, expanding foreign language opportunities, beginning a 1:1 Chromebook program for the eighth grade, introducing the Junior National Honor Society Program, and launching new innovative inquiry-based programs aligned to both the Next Generation Science Standards (The Legends of Learning) and the C3 College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies (HistoryQuest Program)."

North Branford's public schools will begin the 2018-19 school year on Wednesday, August 29.