New Canaan Public Schools: Search Underway for East, West School Principals

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New Canaan Public Schools released the following information to local media Friday afternoon (and posted it to the district’s website here).

The update follows the announcements that East School Principal Bunny Potts (announced last month) and West School Acting Principal Joanne LaVista (announced two weeks ago) would retire at the end of this academic year.

The search process also has been kickstarted to find the next superintendent of schools for the district, following Dr. Mary Kolek’s announcement this month that she would retire June 30.

Here’s the district’s news:

“The search has begun for two new elementary school principals. With the goal of welcoming two outstanding new principals to East and West Schools on July 1, 2014, the elementary principal search committee has been assembled. Led by Gary Kass, Director of Human Services, the committee is comprised of representative members of the school community including the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil and Family Services, the K-4 Language Arts Coordinator, two principals, teachers from East and West Schools, PTC members from East and West Schools, and a member of the Board of Education.

“In an effort to include stakeholders in the process Mr. Kass has already conducted focus groups at both schools. On March 6th he met with parents, faculty and staff at East School. On March 12th and 19th he met with West School faculty and parents. The intention of these focus groups is to examine and explore the answers to two seemingly simple questions – What makes your school special and/or unique? What qualities and characteristics are you looking for in a principal? The search committee will use focus group feedback to inform the search and selection process.

“The first round of interviews is tentatively planned for the first week in April. The search committee will conduct second round interviews as appropriate. Finalists will participate in interviews with Central Office administration. The goal is to complete the selection and appointment process by mid-spring. The new principals will officially join the leadership team July 1, 2014.”

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