Derby names new school administrator

Stacy Chambers

DERBY - The Board of Education has named Stacy Chambers of Windsor the school district’s new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
Chambers was most recently the principal of McDonough Expeditionary Learning School in Hartford, a position that she held since 2011. 
The board approved her appointment during a special meeting in August.

“Derby is fortunate to have attracted a woman of Stacy’s skill and background to improve teaching and learning for all students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr.  

Prior to her work in the McDonough Expeditionary Learning School, Chambers served as The Traveler’s Principal in Residence at Hartford Magnet Middle School. Her experience includes extensive work as a curriculum specialist, an intervention specialist and as a teacher.

Believing in the importance of serving as an educational leader and giving back to the community, she has presented at educational conferences and actively participates in state level committees. 

Chambers received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baldwin Wallace College, a master’s degree in elementary education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass. and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartford in West Hartford.

“I am honored to join the Derby Public Schools as its Assistant Superintendent," Chambers said. "My work will center on working with the teachers, administrators and the citizens of Derby as an educational leader on behalf of our students.”

Chambers began her work in Derby on Sept. 30, 2013.



This post is taken from a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Ansonia mayor commends late educator at dedication ceremony

Ansonia Mayor James T. Della Volpe addresses family and friends gathered Wednesday to dedicate the Ansonia Middle School auditorium to the late Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard F. Nicolari. Listening to him are Nicolari's four daughters. They are from left, Lynne Nicolari, Carolyn Ferraro, Patricia Nicolari and Lisa Nicolari.


The ceremony brought tears to the eyes of many in the crowd.
As the program said, "Richard Nicolari lived his life holding a standard people admire to this day. His legacy as an educator, and more importantly as a human being, will never be forgotten."






Stay tuned for a story in the newspaper.  

Ansonia retains April vacation week

Sharing from Ansonia Public Schools Facebook page:

To the Ansonia Public Schools Community:

At its meeting on March 13, 2013, the Ansonia Board of Education discussed the high number of school cancellations this school year (12), which now makes the final day of school as Friday, June 28, 2013.

The Board decided to retain the scheduled April vacation week (April 15-19). However, in the case of any additional school cancellations, the Board empowered the Superintendent of Schools to use the April vacation week as make up days. If the need arises for one more make up day, it will be scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2013.

Thank you for your understanding and patience throughout this challenging, weather-interrupted school year.

Sincerely,

Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools

Focus groups slated for superintendent search in Derby

DERBY - The Board of Education has begun the search for the next Superintendent of Schools.
The Board has selected Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Search Services, an educational executive recruitment firm, and Dr. Jacqueline Jacoby,  Senior Search Consultant from CABE to facilitate and assist with this important undertaking.
CABE Search Services has been integral to the successful completion of superintendent searches throughout Connecticut. 

The first step in the process is to schedule focus groups and forums to seek input from school and community members.
The Derby board sees communication and community participation as essential components of a comprehensive search.
Board Chairman Ken Marcucio added, “Our Board is committed to including the community in this process and is currently seeking input related to the characteristics and leadership qualities desired in the next educational leader.”

Focus groups are being scheduled for late August and September with faculty, administrators, support staff, parents, students, and other community members to ensure that we hear from a broad range of constituents and find areas of common ground. 

Focus groups schedules will be posted on the district website www.derbyps.org  and announced to the community in the newspapers and other means. Anyone who wishes to share their views but is unable to attend a focus group can complete a Superintendent Search Survey which will be available in September both on the district website and a paper survey in locations throughout the community.
Updated information on the search can be found on the district website as well at the link, Superintendent Search.  

As this process will extend into the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, the Board has appointed  George Tanner as interim superintendent, a retired Derby educator who served the district well in a number of positions for 38 years.
Tanner will continue to move the schools forward until a new permanent Superintendent of Schools is selected. 

The above information is taken from a press release from Derby Public Schools.