Record-Journal
08-17-2007, 12:00 AM
SOUTHINGTON -- The Board of Education has completed its search for a new superintendent. Chairman David J. Derynoski said a three-year contract with Watertown Superintendent James Erardi will be signed early next week.
Erardi was selected after multiple interviews with six candidates, and it was Erardi’s leadership experience and dedication to education that set him apart, according to Derynoski.
“It was a difficult decision, because there were so many well-qualified candidates,” Derynoski said. “Mr. Erardi was selected because he met the criteria outlined in our town profile and he seemed to really fit the mold in terms of the characteristics and leadership traits we were looking to bring to our district.”
A preliminary agreement has been reached on the three-year deal, but Derynoski said Thursday the contract has not been signed and details will not be released beforehand because specifics could be subject to change.
Derynoski said the contract is similar to that of former Superintendent Harvey B. Polansky, who left at the end of June to become superintendent in Milford. Erardi will start in Southington as soon as arrangements can be made with the Watertown school system.
A 1991 recipient of America’s Outstanding Teacher honors, Erardi has spent the last two years as superintendent in Watertown, a district of 3,600 students.
Erardi has 15 years of administrative experience, with five years as superintendent in Bolton before moving to Watertown. He was a high school principal in Rockville from 1998 to 2000 and in Killingly from 1995 to 1998.
“I am looking forward to meeting the children and parents in our community and working with the teachers, support staff, administrators and citizens on the challenges facing our schools,” Erardi said in a written statement released by the board.
Derynoski said he has already had several conversations with Erardi, who indicated he would be meeting with teachers, parents and students soon to introduce himself and get a better understanding of the district’s needs and expectations.
“We have the talent here to make the Southington schools one of the best possible places for our children to learn. I intend to make a long-term commitment to Southington,” he said.
Derynoski said Erardi’s education also helped him stand out. He holds a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Central Connecticut State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartford.
The board will make the official announcement after a formal vote during its meeting Thursday.
Erardi was selected after multiple interviews with six candidates, and it was Erardi’s leadership experience and dedication to education that set him apart, according to Derynoski.
“It was a difficult decision, because there were so many well-qualified candidates,” Derynoski said. “Mr. Erardi was selected because he met the criteria outlined in our town profile and he seemed to really fit the mold in terms of the characteristics and leadership traits we were looking to bring to our district.”
A preliminary agreement has been reached on the three-year deal, but Derynoski said Thursday the contract has not been signed and details will not be released beforehand because specifics could be subject to change.
Derynoski said the contract is similar to that of former Superintendent Harvey B. Polansky, who left at the end of June to become superintendent in Milford. Erardi will start in Southington as soon as arrangements can be made with the Watertown school system.
A 1991 recipient of America’s Outstanding Teacher honors, Erardi has spent the last two years as superintendent in Watertown, a district of 3,600 students.
Erardi has 15 years of administrative experience, with five years as superintendent in Bolton before moving to Watertown. He was a high school principal in Rockville from 1998 to 2000 and in Killingly from 1995 to 1998.
“I am looking forward to meeting the children and parents in our community and working with the teachers, support staff, administrators and citizens on the challenges facing our schools,” Erardi said in a written statement released by the board.
Derynoski said he has already had several conversations with Erardi, who indicated he would be meeting with teachers, parents and students soon to introduce himself and get a better understanding of the district’s needs and expectations.
“We have the talent here to make the Southington schools one of the best possible places for our children to learn. I intend to make a long-term commitment to Southington,” he said.
Derynoski said Erardi’s education also helped him stand out. He holds a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Central Connecticut State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartford.
The board will make the official announcement after a formal vote during its meeting Thursday.