West Allis-West Milwaukee names Tarrynce Robinson its next superintendent
The West Allis-West Milwaukee School District will have a new superintendent next school year.
The School Board approved his appointment and contract at a special meeting Feb. 14. Robinson will start July 1,
Robinson will replace superintendent Marty Lexmond, who will retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year.
Besides Robinson, other finalists for the position were Manitowoc Public School District Director of Teaching, Learning and Assessment John Bull and Burlington Area School District Superintendent Stephen Plank, according to the district's website.
A statement by School Board President Noah Leigh said Robinson stood out because of his experience and "overall mindset."
"The Board is looking forward to working with Dr. Robinson as he transitions into his new role so that he can continue to build upon the great work that has been started in project-based learning and our deeper learning competencies," Leigh said.
Robinson is currently a schools support officer in the Houston Independent School District in Texas, where he supervises 13 elementary schools. Robinson also has experience as principal, having served in that position at two elementary schools and two middle schools in the Houston area.
He holds a bachelor's degree in government from Huston-Tillotson College, a master's degree in administration from Prairie View A&M University and a doctorate in education from the University of Houston.
He and his wife, Chamelia Watkins-Robinson, have a 19-year-old son, Tarrynce II, and an 11-year-old daughter, Chandler, according to the district's website post announcing the hire.
"I really can't express in words the excitement that I feel right now. This has not been an easy journey for me. Last week was pretty rigorous, but at the same time it was enjoyable. Having the opportunity to engage with the community as well as board members as well as our principals and teachers in our schools — I am very excited," said Robinson in video of the board's Feb. 14 special meeting.
"My family is excited to be moving up, and we're looking forward to the challenge. We are definitely looking to engage the community as well within that conversation and making sure that we are heading in the right direction to continue moving the needle when it comes to our learning outcomes, and specifically outcomes for all kids, as we seek to close opportunity gaps, but at the same time making sure that we are cultivating and fostering our relationships within our community, and seeking that advice from the community and charting our course for the next few years," Robinson added.
Robinson's annual salary will be $210,000, according to an email from West Allis-West Milwaukee School District director of communication and community relations Amanda Stewart.
Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.
Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.
DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: West Allis-West Milwaukee names Tarrynce Robinson next superintendent
