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By Temitayo Bilewu and Liani Rosado
In 2020, Mr. Davies succeeded Ms. Chibbaro as the principal of David Brearley Middle High School. Four years later, Mr. Davies was promoted to the superintendent of the Kenilworth Board of Education. To learn more about him and his transition, we asked Mr. Davies a couple of questions.
How did the offer come about, and how was it presented to you?
Mr. Davies explained that after the former superintendent, Mr. Arlington, submitted his resignation in the spring of 2024, the Kenilworth district put out a job listing. When Mr. Davies took the opportunity to apply for the position, it came with a very rigorous application process. He had to go through “four rounds of interviews that involved presentations,” which was a lengthy process that he still considers a necessary way of determining whether or not one is a “good fit for the superintendent role.”
What is something you’ll miss about Brearley?
When asked this question, Mr. Davies prefaced that he became an educator because he “loves students.” He then added that he feared being distanced further from students as a result of this new position. After transitioning from teacher to assistant principal to principal to superintendent, Mr. Davies regards time with students as something he “already misses,” though he emphasized that he wants to be the type of superintendent who “maintains his connections with students.”
Is your new occupation what you thought it would be? Why or why not?
Mr. Davies first started by describing his former position as principal as constantly “responding to issues at the moment,” adding that “every day, you walk in, and you don’t know what you’re going to find.” Even though he was successful, it gave Mr. Davies limited time or space to be creative and thoughtful, as he just had to “put out fires all day.” However, in his new position, he is able to “plan for the future and think about big picture ideas,” which he considers refreshing.
What plans do you have for the future now that you are the superintendent?
While the ongoing construction at Brearley does seem to be making progress, Mr. Davies still wants to ensure that these projects are “being done efficiently, without a big burden on the taxpayers, and in the best interests of the students.” Mr. Davies also added that he prides himself on finding new opportunities for students as well as fulfilling their needs, whether that pertains to extracurriculars, outlets that help students better identify their career interests, or other ways to benefit the students. Mr. Davies shared his excitement concerning his plan for Harding to offer free Pre-K to the community, as it “sets the foundation for strong academics moving forward.” Reading scores at both Brearley and Harding have been growing, and Mr. Davies considers continuing such growth to be exciting. Speaking from his own experience as the father of an eight-year-old, he empathizes with parents who are spending thousands of dollars on their children’s education. With these plans in the upcoming future, not only will Kenilworth become a more desirable community to move to, with free Pre-K being a contributing factor, but it will also ease parents’ worries.
While it may be upsetting to see a familiar and pleasant face go, many community members can rest assured that Mr. Davies will effectively fulfill his duties as the new superintendent, just as he did as principal.
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