In his preparation to select the next headmaster, Superintendent Bill Lupini named John Ritchie to serve as interim headmaster for the upcoming school year.  The process to replace Headmaster Bob Weintraub at the helm of “the Great Ship BHS” will not be complete until Spring 2012.

Ritchie will lead the school through the transitional phase between permanent headmasters.

“I see my job as helping the school in the transition from one great leader to another but not coming in to fix things or change things or make my mark or anything like that, which is just perfect for me,” he said.

Ritchie has an extensive career in education, both as an English teacher and administrator.  He worked in Brookline High School for 13 years as an English teacher and Housemaster, a position akin to that of current deans.  Ritchie also served as The Sagamore’s faculty adviser.

In 1986, Ritchie left to pursue a doctorate in education from Harvard University. He later worked as the principal of Winchester High School for seven years and as the superintendent and the principal of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School for 13 years.

Since his retirement in June 2009, Ritchie has filled his time with freelance writing and serving on the Harvard Graduate School of Education Advisory Board among other activities. However, when the opportunity to return to Brookline presented itself, he could not resist.

“The thing that I missed most in my retirement is just being around teachers and students in a high school. That is just where I feel most at home,” said Ritchie.

“We consider ourselves very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with someone who has the extensive leadership experience of Dr. John Ritchie and we look forward to a successful and productive year for the entire Brookline High School community,” said Lupini, in a letter to parents and guardians on May 5.

Lupini and Weintraub are working with Ritchie to ensure a smooth transition going into next year. This coming year, it will be Ritchie orchestrating the transition.

“Thank you, Brookline, for allowing me to be captain of the great ship for these 19 very special years,” said Weintraub, in an article published in the May PTO News and Views.

“I wish for you, many many smoothish voyages as we move through the 21st century. Teach the children well!”