Superintendent

Dear Port Washington Community,

As I begin my journey as your Interim Superintendent, I am honored by the opportunity to lead and support this incredible district. Throughout my career in education, I have been dedicated to fostering environments that support students and staff, building schools that are inclusive, high-achieving, and responsive to the needs of every learner.

As someone who grew up and raised children in Port Washington, I have a unique appreciation for our strong sense of community. It is a truly special place to live and work, and I am excited to partner with you—the community and our exceptional staff—to help all students in our district thrive. Together, we can make Port Washington even greater.

My leadership approach is rooted in balance, fairness, and integrity, and I place a high value on building strong, collaborative relationships across our school community. I bring to this role a comprehensive background in educational leadership, including a Doctorate in Educational and Policy Leadership and over two decades of professional experience as an assistant superintendent, middle school and elementary school principal, teacher, and coach. For the past six years, I have served as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development, where I mentored school leaders, supported strategic planning, and assisted in budget development.

In addition to my administrative experience, my years in the classroom and as a school leader have given me a well-rounded understanding of the needs of students and staff at every level. I am committed to fostering an environment where every educator is empowered to grow, and every student can succeed.

As Interim Superintendent, my primary focus will be to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure the district continues moving in a positive direction. I am here to provide leadership and support, working closely with our talented administrators, teachers, and support staff. The Port Washington School District and community are fortunate to have a Board of Education committed to excellence, and I look forward to collaborating with the Board, the administrative team, faculty, and community members in the coming months.

On a personal note, I am truly excited to connect with each of you. Please feel free to introduce yourself or say hello if you see me in the hallways or at district events. I have also established a series of “Conversations with Chris” scheduled over the next six months. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we build on the district’s strengths and make a lasting, positive impact for our students.

In partnership,

Chris Shields, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent