Dear Two Rivers Community,
The Two Rivers PCS Board of Trustees is excited to announce the appointment of Kristina Kyles-Smith as the organization’s new Executive Director, beginning on June 29, 2020. The Trustees selected Kristina after a national search that included feedback from a broad section of the Two Rivers community. We cannot thank you enough for your participation in the process. The Trustees also want to express their deep appreciation and gratitude on behalf of the entire community to Jessica Wodatch for her leadership of Two Rivers since the organization’s founding in 2004.
Kristina comes to us with a wealth of leadership experience in public education, expertise in EL (Expeditionary Learning) Education, and a deep understanding of Two Rivers. She has served in a number of roles over the course of her career in education, including as a history and social science teacher in Massachusetts, a public school principal in Baltimore, an Assistant State Superintendent of Education in Maryland, and most recently, as a Regional Director for EL Education, where she works closely with Two Rivers. Kristina is completing her doctorate in educational leadership.
The Board of Trustees was particularly impressed by Kristina’s strengths as a leader in education in times of transition, her passion for progressive education, and her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Executive Director Jessica Wodatch shared, “I am thrilled to have Kristina lead the next chapter at Two Rivers. She is a dedicated, passionate, and talented leader, and we are lucky to have her join us.” Jessica will support Kristina during her first few months to ensure a smooth transition.
In accepting the position, Kristina said, “It is an honor to serve as Two Rivers’ next Executive Director. The Two Rivers philosophy and mission align with my lifelong commitment to progressive education and educational equity. I am looking forward to leading Two Rivers and learning with and from our community as we continue to build upon the amazing legacy of this powerful school network.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kristina to the Two Rivers family. We look forward to her leadership and to continuing to work with all of you to ensure a successful transition.
Thank you, and stay well.
Sincerely,
Clara Haskell Botstein, Chair
Justin Valentine, Vice Chair
Adrian Jordan, Treasurer
Ali Khawar, Secretary
Grace Aduroja Kolker
Anne Lackritz
Ann McElwain
Lucas Pipes
Nick Rodriguez*
Eli Schlam
Saumil Shah
Matthew Steenhoek*
Reem Labib Tyson
Aswathi Zachariah*
*Parent Board Members