Ron Schmidt, currently serving as Assistant Principal at Chelsea High, will lead the newly created Chelsea Opportunity Academy starting July 1. The district has selected him to head this innovative school initiative.
Following the announcement of the Opportunity Academy’s establishment, Supt. Mary Bourque revealed Schmidt’s appointment this week. The venture receives backing through a $750,000 grant from the Barr Foundation.
“A new school, needs a new principal,” Bourque wrote. “It is therefore, with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Chelsea High School’s Assistant Principal, Mr. Ronald Schmidt, to Principal of the Chelsea Opportunity Academy, effective July 1, 2018. The appointment of Mr. Schmidt to Principal of COA was an easy one to make as a Superintendent. Mr. Schmidt’s education as well as his deep career experience has prepared him to run his own school – a different type of school. He is committed to students in need of a different high school experience to be successful… Mr. Schmidt was hired as Assistant Principal of Chelsea High School in 2003 and has served the students and families of Chelsea with all of his energy and heart.”
Chelsea Schools received the ‘Engage New England: Doing High School Differently’ grant from the Barr Foundation to launch the Opportunity Academy during the 2018-2019 school year. As the district’s second high school and 10th school overall, it represents a significant expansion.
Housing within Chelsea High School’s campus, the Opportunity Academy operates using a school-within-a-school structure.
Students who are overage, under-credited, or finding the conventional American high school model unsuccessful will be served by this academy. The curriculum emphasizes individualized support, blended learning approaches, and adaptable scheduling to help students advance steadily toward high school diploma completion.
“Mr. Schmidt is the only one I want to lead this high school, so great is my faith and confidence in him,” Bourque wrote.