New York City Principal to Head Will Rogers Elementary in Santa Monica

By Lookout Staff

May 9, 2018 -- The former principal of two New York City elementary schools who is known for his "hand-on approach" will take the helm at Will Rogers Learning Community in Santa Monica, District officials said.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board voted to hire Ryan T. Bourke -- who headed the Midtown West School and The Elias Howe School in Manhattan -- at its meeting last Thursday.

Ryan Bourke (Courtesy SMMUSD)

Bourke, who served as principal in Rowland Heights, California before assuming the posts in New York, will start on July 1. In a statement issued after the meeting, Bourke called Rogers "an incredible school whose vision and mission are closely aligned to my educational beliefs. "I look forward to collaborating with staff, students, and families as we continue the amazing work together," he said.

At the three schools he headed, Bourke led staff in various school-wide initiatives, including "growth mindset, cognitively guided instruction, and inquiry-based learning," District officials said.

Bourke, they said, "has supported staff to maximize student learning through a collaborative, hands-on approach that includes professional development and a frequent classroom presence.

He also has used grants to fund new culinary classrooms, science laboratories and outdoor classrooms and "introduced Columbia University Teacher’s College curriculum and materials to various schools," District officials said.

A 20-year veteran of education, Bourke has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, where he studied music and Spanish, and a Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University.

He is a current candidate for a Doctor of Education from Columbia University and holds multiple education certifications from New York and California.

“I believe he will be a great addition to our leadership team,” said
Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati.