New Attleboro High Principal Introduced

Bill Runey will go from private to public leadership in local education this summer when he takes over as the new principal of . The current principal of  in Attleboro was introduced as the selection to replace Jeffrey Newman, who will be retiring at the end of the school year, during this week's Attleboro School Committee meeting.

Pia Durkin, superintendent of the Attleboro school district said she is impressed with Runey as "an educator and accomplished administrator."

"He has a deep understanding of the power of education," she said. "He understands the kids who are here."

A screening committee that included staff, parents and student Keith Drucker recommended Runey. He will serve as acting principal for the first year, giving Runey the chance to form the relationships needed to do the job well, Durkin said.

"I'm very excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Durkin and this school committee to work with a broad range of students, not only to help them excel, but to help them to feel important," Runey said.

He continued, "I realize that I have very big shoes to fill. I also realize that I have a lot to learn. And I plan to do that by listening … and by building the necessary relationships to further the mission of this fine school."

Runey is from South Carolina. He has a bachelor's degree in mathematics education from Clemson University and a master's degree in educational administration from The Citadel. The former math teacher and coach is enrolled in an educational doctorate program at Northeastern University.