Getting to Know Your Westwood Neighbor: Chon'tel Washington, First Director of HR for Westwood Public Schools

Thanks to Westwood Public Schools for contributing this article to Westwood Minute.

To fill the new position of Human Resources Director, the Westwood Public School District wanted someone whose experience combined business and education. In Chon’tel Washington, Westwood found the perfect candidate—a seasoned professional familiar with public schools, higher education and diversity. Originally from Boston, Washington said her childhood dream was always to work in schools. Once she was hired, she hit the ground running.

“I was able to be part of the interview process and really learn more about the back-end processes of hiring here in Westwood,” said Washington.

After spending her undergraduate years on a full scholarship at Hamilton College in upstate New York where she obtained a degree in Africana Studies, Washington went on to receive an MBA from Brandeis University and started working at Framingham State University as an Assistant Director of Admission, Diversity and Recruitment. She would then head to Georgia as the Director of Diversity at Berry College – a small, rural Christian liberal arts school.

“It was nice to experience life in a different part of the country,” said Washington. “When I returned to Massachusetts after the pandemic and saw the state’s interest in creating diversity positions in schools, I recognized it as a great opportunity for me.”

Washington spent time in Belmont Public Schools as its first Director of Diversity.

“I’m now transitioning back to my business roots and applying all the skills I’ve learned in higher education and diversity to HR, focusing on how we better value our staff,” said Washington. “And, what better way to grow our staff and help our most important population – our students?”

Superintendent of Schools Timothy Piwowar first proposed this new position back in February.

“Many of the duties typically associated with HR had fallen on our Assistant Superintendent of Schools,” said Piwowar. “Creating this position allows our assistant Superintendent to return to focusing on teaching and learning. We are already seeing the difference Chon’tel is making in this role across the district.”

“There’s a lot of work which no longer falls on principals and hiring managers,” said Washington. “A lot of what I’m doing is streamlining important processes. Most people think of hiring and recruiting, but there’s a lot of facets to HR including compliance. It’s important we are dedicated to our unions and contracts. I’m also here to support staff and be an advocate for them as well as coaching leaders on difficult conversations they might have to have with staff.”

Washington says when not working, she enjoys spending time with her extended family and chuckled that when not with her toddler she “enjoys walking around Target by myself”.

“I’m really enjoying Westwood,” said Washington. “It’s been really welcoming. There’s a warmth that comes from being in this town. Seeing caring parents who serve on the School Committee and other volunteer positions is wonderful to see. There’s a deep level of community here which is really nice.”

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