Westfield High School Principal Appointed Commissioner To National Education Organization

Westfield High School Principal Peter Renwick has been appointed to the Education Commission of the States (ECS), joining a nationwide, nonpartisan, interstate organization devoted to education at all levels. Mr. Renwick was appointed to the post by Governor Chris Christie and will represent the State of New Jersey working side by side with key education leaders from around the nation to improve education across the 50 states and U.S. territories.

In response to this announcement, Acting Education Commissioner David Hespe stated, “I would like to congratulate Peter Renwick, who will join me in representing New Jersey on the Education Commission of the States – a nationally recognized organization that analyzes education research and creates opportunities for education leaders to learn from each other. Peter was a member of the Governor’s College and Career Readiness Task Force, which I chaired in 2012, so I know he understands the need to provide our students with a 21st century education. He will be an effective representative for New Jersey.”  

Westfield Superintendent of Schools, Margaret Dolan, added, “We are extremely pleased that Mr. Renwick, who will continue his leadership at Westfield High School, will have the opportunity to participate in national research, resources, and policy initiatives that can have a positive impact on our town and school district through his participation on the Education Commission of the States.”

As a Commissioner, Mr. Renwick will help guide the work of ECS by identifying key state education concerns and information needs where ECS can make the most impact, as well as identifying in-state project opportunities and funding resources. 

In accepting the appointment, Mr. Renwick said, “I am extremely honored to accept this position as an Education Commission of the States Commissioner.  This organization has a wonderful reputation for providing valuable resources to educators at all levels.  I plan to serve in this capacity with integrity and purpose.”

Mr. Renwick has been invited to the ECS annual National Forum on Education Policy this summer in Washington, DC, convening more than 450 of the nation’s top education leaders such as governors, legislators, chief state school officers, state board members, higher education officials, and business leaders from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories. The forum will address the latest innovative ideas, a variety of emerging issues, and best practices in education policy intended to equip attendees with information, tools, and connections to improve education in their state.

In sending Mr. Renwick a letter of congratulations, ECS president Jeremy Anderson explained, “Our core purpose is to enlighten, equip, and engage key education leaders—governors, legislators, chief state school officers, higher education officials, business leaders, and others—to work side by side to improve education.  ECS commissioners are essential to ECS’ success. You guide ECS’ policy directions, help set the agenda for our annual National Forum on Education Policy, and ensure our work is relevant and timely.”

 In a note of congratulations to Mr. Renwick, New Jersey Senator Tom Kean stated, “I am very pleased that Peter Renwick will be representing New Jersey on the Education Commission on the States.  Peter brings with him a depth of experience as an educator and administrator, as well as a true passion for educational excellence, that I know will benefit the Commission and any of the committees on which he serves.  Furthermore, I am confident that Peter will give voice to the diverse interests and needs that reflect New Jersey while contributing to the broader goal of the Commission of forwarding a national exchange of ideas, research, and best practices in education.”