Christine Boston 'honored and happy' to be promoted to superintendent of Dover schools
DOVER — Christine Boston, assistant superintendent of the city’s public school system, is poised to take over the district’s top spot upon the scheduled retirement of current superintendent William Harbron next summer.
Dover School Board chairperson Robin Trefethen announced Boston’s appointment to SAU 11 staff on Aug. 1, nearly one full year before Boston’s tenure would officially commence. If approved by the School Board, Boston’s term for the 2025-25 school year would begin July 1, 2025, following Harbron’s retirement.
Boston has been employed by SAU 11 since 2008. She has served as a Dover Middle School dean of students, co-principal of the middle school, principal of Dover High School, and later the special education administrator for the entire city school system before being named assistant superintendent.
The School Board will vote on Boston’s appointment to the position Monday, Aug. 12, according to Trefethen.
Christine Boston 'honored and happy'
“My sons went through the Dover school system and had fantastic experiences here,” she said Tuesday. “I am really honored and happy to be able to finish my career in public education in Dover. I don’t have any desire to go anywhere else besides here. There’s just no place I'd rather be than Dover.”
Boston was employed first by the Strafford Learning Center in Somersworth prior to working in Dover, then at Barrington Middle School as a special educator and coordinator of the school’s special education department. She received her undergraduate degree in American studies from Franklin Pierce University, specializing in American literature and history, then received her master’s degree in special education and a certificate in advanced graduate studies in educational leadership from Plymouth State University before completing her doctorate at the school in 2017.
Hiring Boston means no national superintendent search will be conducted to find Harbron’s successor.
“Dr. Boston brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence, and we are confident she will be an exceptional leader for our district,” Trefethen wrote to staff last week.
Boston will work with Harbron for one more year
Harbron and Boston, two longtime colleagues, will be working together closely during the year to “ensure a smooth and effective transition of leadership,” Trefethen wrote on Aug. 1.
“This collaboration will be vital in maintaining our district’s momentum and in fostering a seamless transition that benefits our students, staff, and community,” the board's chairperson added.
Harbron’s retirement next summer will cap his 50-year career in public education, with the last eight spent in the Garrison City. Harbron arrived in Dover for the 2017-18 school year from the West Muskingum school district in Ohio to replace Elaine Arbour as superintendent.
Harbron signed a one-year contract to remain in Dover for the 2024-25 academic year.
His replacement called Harbron “the consummate educator” and hailed his service in Dover.
“Bill is one of the most genuine and authentic educators I've ever worked with,” Boston said. “There is no agenda for Bill other than doing the next right thing for kids. It’s an honor to watch him serve. He is a servant-leader so he’s going to be a tough act to follow in that regard.”
The existing assistant superintendent said she underwent two months of interviews with the School Board, staff, students and union leadership.
Boston outlines her priorities for superintendent role
Moving into the superintendent slot, she sees attracting and retaining top talent as a key issue for the district, particularly finding paraeducators and mental health and psychology staff. Boston plans to focus on student and staff wellness during her time as superintendent, work to offer a top tier curriculum to all students and “amplify and highlight” all positive momentum in the district.
Boston gave an appreciative nod to the working relationship between the School Board and the City Council relative to supporting Dover’s schools.
“We have so many community allies here from the mental health resources, the police department and the fire department. Those community allies make a huge difference in giving a good education to kids,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Christine Boston to be promoted to Dover schools superintendent
