End of an Era at Perkins School for the Blind

After more than a decade, Steven Rothstein will be stepping down as president of Perkins School for the Blind.

Rothstein, the school’s ninth president, announced his decision to the Perkins Board of Trustees on Tuesday, according to a release.

“Steven Rothstein’s tenure at Perkins will always be seen as a definitive period in the organization’s important history, including his stewardship of the nation’s first school of its kind,” said Frederic M. Clifford, Chair, Perkins Board of Trustees.

Under his guidance, Perkins has expanded its reach from 40,000 to more than 700,000 people by broadening the school’s presence to 67 countries through online offerings.

“It has been a truly humbling and exhilarating experience to see our students reach their fullest potential while working with such a deeply committed and talented staff who strive every day to fulfill the Perkins mission,” said Rothstein. “I look forward to continuing to serve as president during this transition period, and I am very confident that our next leader will successfully build on the tremendous accomplishments achieved by the entire Perkins community.”

Some of the achievements at Perkins by Rothstein and his colleagues during his 11-year tenure include:

• Development of the Watertown campus with the Pappas Horticulture Center, Grousbeck Center for Students & Technology, Cataruzolo Independent Student Apartments, and the new Lower School
• The successful $130 million Possibilities capital campaign
• Enhanced educational services on campus and in the community
• Expansion of technology training, products, and services, and introduction of new adaptive technology products
• Providing a strong and respected voice and serving an important role in numerous key local, state, national, and international advocacy issues 

Rothstein will remain at the school until the end of December. A national search for Perkins’ next president will be conducted by a committee appointed by the trustees and led by Frederic Clifford.