On January 29, 2020

KMS board selects new headmaster

Staff report

Killington Mountain School’s Board of Trustees has hired a new head of school

Claire Kershko, a 2009 KMS graduate, is taking over for Tao Smith June 30.

“Returning to KMS as head of school is a true homecoming, and this is a position that gives me a great sense of purpose,” Kershko said in a press release. “KMS is a family that has always remained dedicated to meeting students where they are by providing the tools and guidance necessary for success in academics, athletics and personal growth. This school is, and always will be, a very special place, where students can pursue their athletic and academic passions, without compromise.”

Kershko has a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Bates College, where she was captain of the Alpine Ski Team. After a skiing accident prevented her from racing, she became assistant coach of the Alpine program. Kershko later received an MBA from Clarkson University.

She was also a financial analyst in Boston before returning to ski coaching at Gould Academy in Maine, where she served as an admissions liaison for on-snow programs and coached U16 Alpine athletes and soccer. Kershko went on to be named as the assistant and then, head Alpine Ski Coach at Clarkson University. Kershko currently lives in Maine and works as a marketing strategist for Unum.

The 15-member KMS headmaster search committee, which included KMS alumni, administrators, teachers, coaches, parents and trustees, selected Kershko unanimously from 25 applicants. She was one of three finalists selected to spend three days in town meeting with faculty, staff, students, parents, and members of the Killington Ski Club and the Killington Resort.

KMS board of trustees chair Mike Hone said Kershko’s passion for the area stood out from other candidates.

“She has such a passion for sports in general,” Hone said. “This is Claire’s dream job, as she put it.”

Kershko grew up in New York, but she’s skied at Killington Resort since she was a child, learning her early racing skills through the Killington Ski Club before attending KMS. Kershko’s even planning to get married at Killington Resort in September.

“This has been her home away from home,” Hone said. “She has a huge passion for the school, the area and everything we’re going to get done.”

She’ll be responsible for overseeing coaching, academics and about 70 students. Kershko will build on a foundation that Smith established as Smith, who had led the school for 19 years, leaves to KMS to head Gould Academy in Maine.  “I think the opportunity for Claire is to grow that and take it to the next level,” Hone said.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Poultney energy fair showcases a clean, quiet food court

November 14, 2024
The town of Poultney is rallying around energy efficiency on Nov. 13 at the Young at Heart Senior Center. From 5 to 7 p.m., people can learn tips, tricks, and incentives to save energy and money.  One organization attending the event will demonstrate the real-world value of renewable energy by mobilizing solar photovoltaic power and…

The VSO Jukebox series brings intimacy and accessibility to classical music

November 13, 2024
By James Kent There is such an excitement and enthusiasm to Matt LaRocca’s voice that after speaking with him for a few minutes, one can’t escape the feeling that they know him, have been friends for years, and can’t wait to hang out and talk again. LaRocca curates The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) Jukebox series,…

Hartland residents ask town to take over road

November 13, 2024
By Curt Peterson Several residents from Bird Hill Road in Hartland Four Corners petitioned the Select Board Monday evening to take over maintenance of their short private road accessed over a short bridge from Brownsville Road. Deborah Davis, who lives in the first house, read a prepared presentation describing the history of homeowner maintenance over…

Lighting up Rutland County:Contest celebrates fifth year of brightening winter nights

November 13, 2024
As the winter chill arrives, Social Tinkering, a Rutland-based nonprofit, is launching the fifth annual Light Up Rutland County, a festive community event to brighten the dark winter days. This initiative invites residents to illuminate their homes, schools, and businesses, encouraging community spirit, creativity, and connection across the region. Initially established in 2020, the event…