Interim head of elite Tacoma private school dies unexpectedly. He just started in August
The interim leader of Charles Wright Academy died unexpectedly over the weekend, the board of trustees announced Oct. 28.
Christopher A. Gorycki started work at the elite private academy, 7723 Chambers Creek Road W., in early August, The News Tribune previously reported. The veteran independent-school educator was selected to serve a two-year stint as interim head of school following a national search.
“Our greater CWA community has quickly come together over these past few months under Chris’s leadership, and we will be forever grateful for his role in renewing the spirit of CWA and partnering with our community to create a positive path for the future,” the academy’s board said Tuesday in an emailed statement to The News Tribune.
Vice Chair Trevor Will told the newspaper that the board does not have information at this time concerning Gorycki’s cause of death.
In an update posted to the school’s website, the board praised Gorycki’s character and professionalism. Trustees also lauded him for helping the CWA community begin to heal.
Gorycki filled the vacancy left by former Head of School Susan Rice, who resigned in June amid claims of a toxic workplace culture and concerning employee-turnover rate, The News Tribune reported at the time.
Charles Wright’s board expressed gratitude to Gorycki’s family in its Oct. 28 update. Trustees acknowledged the uncertainty that this news has brought to the 2024-25 school year.
Rachel Rippl, who was announced in August as interim director of CWA’s middle and upper schools, will serve as acting head of school, the board wrote in its update.
“More information will be forthcoming soon, and regularly,” the board continued. “We are thankful for you, our caring CWA community, as we continue on the path forward, together.”
Chris Gorycki’s ‘loving, lasting legacy’
The Charles Wright community is “heartbroken” over Gorycki’s loss, the board said in an emailed statement to The News Tribune. Gorycki made a positive impression on the school. Under his leadership, the campus’ community came together, the statement said.
The board highlighted Gorycki’s compassion, kindness, wisdom and experience — qualities that the academy aims to build upon moving ahead, per the statement.
“[Gorycki] brought a tremendous amount of warmth and compassion to the community, and it felt like he had always been a Tarrier,” Rob Scotlan, head of Seabury School and former CWA faculty member, said in the statement. “His stewardship of the community filled people with joy, hope, and the promise of more good things to come.”
During his time at Charles Wright, Gorycki earned a reputation for his “visible presence,” according to the board’s statement. He showed up for the school’s community, be it at football and volleyball games or at pickups, lunches and drop-offs.
“Now we as a board and community will keep showing up for Chris and his loving, lasting legacy,” the statement continued, adding: “Once a Tarrier, always a Tarrier.”
Gorycki outlined his experiences working at and attending private institutions in a personal statement, dated May 2024, that CWA’s board shared with The News Tribune. He studied at a New York City independent school and a Connecticut boarding school.
Next Gorycki completed his undergraduate degree at Long Island University and later earned his master’s in private-school leadership from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center, per the personal statement. He worked as a coach and teacher, later moving into administrative and leadership roles, including Head of Kent School in Chestertown, Maryland.
Gorycki also previously served as interim head of campuses in Massachusetts, Maine and Texas.
In a cover letter to CWA’s search committee, Gorycki emphasized his experience helping schools heal. He cited his record of mending both quotidian and fundamental matters.
“I pride myself on being honest, kind, attentive, upfront, empathetic, respectful and inclusive,” he wrote in the June 24 letter. “I strive to surround myself with talented individuals and help each person I serve, and serve with, to become the best version of themselves.”
This story was originally published October 30, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
