New school honors respected educator

For William B. Keene, '55, '65M and former state superintendent of education, having a new school in the Christina School District named in his honor is a fitting topper for a career that spans four decades of service as an educator and administrator in the First State.

Located just off Route 40 in the Bear-Glasgow area, the William B. Keene Elementary School was formally dedicated on Thursday, Sept 13, with remarks by elected and school district officials, UD staff, friends and community members.

"It is the high mark of my professional career," Keene said. "It is wonderful to be recognized for my work in the field of education and the community."

The new 64,600-square-foot facility–complete with music and art classrooms, a media center, gymnasium, cafeteria-auditorium and playground area–is home to about 750 students in kindergarten through grade four.

Even before the $9.7 million facility opened it doors on Aug. 27, Keene was involved with the new school. Since mid-summer, for example, he has made regular visits, sometimes with family and friends, to tour the site and meet with new principal Beatrice Speir and assistant principal Marilyn Gwaltney.

"I have had the opportunity to spend several days with them this summer and was here to visit with students on the first day of school," Keene said. "The children were absolutely in awe of this state-of-the-art facility."

This continuing involvement with parents, teachers and students reflects Keene's belief that public education plays a pivotal role in the future of the state and the nation.

"I have been a supporter of public schools in Delaware and across America for years, because they provide an opportunity for everyone to receive a great education," Keene said. "It is the right of everybody in this country to get an education."

A 1951 graduate of Newark High School, Keene began his career in public education in 1960 when he arrived as a teacher of mathematics, science and social studies at Brandywine Springs Junior High School, where he eventually became principal.

The next assignment for Keene was superintendent of the Appoquinimink School District, where he served from 1969 to 1978, before becoming state superintendent of education, a post he held from 1980 until his retirement in 1990.

During the past decade, Keene has served as director of UD's Parallel Program and School/ University Partnerships, as well as special assistant to the provost, vice provost and dean of the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy (CHEP).

Although he officially retired from UD in 1998, he continues to be involved in the Delaware Academy for School Leadership (DASL) in UD's Institute of Public Administration, CHEP.

Keene said he continues to enjoy being a part of the educational community