Mar 28, 2017 3 min read

Washington School District will have a new superintendent July 1.

On Monday, the school board voted to hire Dr. James Konrad, a Pennsylvania native who is an administrator in a Michigan public school district, to lead Washington schools after longtime superintendent Dr. Roberta DiLorenzo, who had served in the post since 1999, retires June 30.

Konrad, 36, was given a three-year contract. His salary was set at $125,000.

According to school board President Jeffrey Fine, Konrad is a “good fit” for the district. Fine described Konrad as “a gem.”

“We got the right guy. He’s had some experience with inner-city schools, as an administrator outside of Detroit and a teacher outside of Philadelphia, and that’s one of the strengths he brought to the table,” said Fine. “He’s very passionate about public education.”

Konrad has served in public schools for 14 years, as a teacher, special education teacher, director of special education, assistant principal, principal, and, most recently, director of instructional improvements and teacher evaluations at Hamtramck Public Schools in Hamtramck, Mich.

More than 3,000 students from over 30 countries who speak 15 different languages attend Hamtramck schools.

“My family and I are excited to come to Washington,” said Konrad, who grew up in Bucks County and graduated from Duquesne University, where he played soccer and earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary and special education. “One of the first things that drew me to the Washington School District was its diverse student population, and the students seem to promote acceptance of one another, which results in positive collaboration. One of the things that seemed obvious is that students and staff have a lot of pride in their schools.”

Konrad holds master’s and doctoral degrees in educational administration from Temple University, and is completing a master of business administration degree through Temple.

Konrad said his major goal is to close the achievement gaps for students in Washington School District.

“The way to do that is to focus on each child every day,” said Konrad.

Washington School District initiated a search for a replacement for DiLorenzo in December, after she announced her retirement.

The district received 17 applications and interviewed six candidates.

Konrad and his wife, Heddy, have three daughters, ages 5, 3 and 1.

I just want the district and the community to know I’m honored to be selected as superintendent and really look forward to providing students with the best education,” said Konrad. “I’m honored and proud to be a Prexie.”