Brian Gellerstein selected as next fine and performing arts director in Framingham schools
FRAMINGHAM — Brian Gellerstein has been named the next director of fine and performing arts for Framingham Public Schools, the superintendent announced on Thursday.
Gellerstein is currently the lead teacher for visual and performing arts with Cambridge Public Schools, where his work centers around PreK-12 arts curriculum and instruction. He is also the father of two students at Framingham's Brophy Elementary School.
"I am proud of the work that our community has done to support FPS students with a vibrant arts education," said Gellerstein, in a statement. "I hope to continue Donna Wresinski's inspiring work and will ensure that our students are engaged with inclusive, culturally responsive, and anti-racist arts programming.”
Gellerstein's appointment begins July 1.
The district's current fine arts director, Wresinski, will retire this summer. She has worked in Framingham schools for 20 years, the first 14 as a theater arts teacher and the last six in her current role.
Gellerstein is also a part-time assistant professor of music education at Berklee College of Music in Boston and an associate lecturer for the Department of Leadership in Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Previously, he was a nonprofit music education administrator and public school music teacher in New York City and Cambridge. Gellerstein earned a Ph.D. in urban educational leadership and policy at UMass Boston, where his dissertation research examined the connections between white supremacy and gatekeeping in music education.
"We had a strong pool of candidates from whom to choose, and Dr. Gellerstein quickly rose to the top of our list of finalists," said Framingham Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay, in a statement.
Students, families and staff will be able to meet Gellerstein at a series of upcoming meet-and-greet events.
Gellerstein will also participate in choosing a fine and performing arts coordinator.
Zane Razzaq writes about education. Reach her at 508-626-3919 or zrazzaq@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Brian Gellerstein selected as next arts director in Framingham schools
