The Columbia Board of Education named Ben Tilley as the new assistant superintendent for Columbia Public Schools beginning July 1.
Tilley will replace Peter Stiepleman, who has been selected as the district’s next superintendent.
Tilley says he has similar goals as Stiepleman when it comes to the district.
“I would like to work specifically with the schools on those goals because we know if we can close the achievement gap for kids, that we can help them to achieve at higher and higher levels which mean success in life basically,” Tilley said.
Tilley says thanks to his previous experience he doesn’t feel any pressure filling this new role.
“I have eighteen years now in education," Tilley said. "I’ve worked as a second grade teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, assistant director of our office of research, now in Title I this school year.”
Stiepleman says in a news release that Tilley’s experiences with Title I and non-Title schools, combined with his data and business background, create an optimal opportunity for a seamless and successful transition.
Tilley is currently the supervisor of Title I programs and the director of summer school.
