PHOTO COURTESY OF QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY
Superintendent Dr. Joseph DiBacco delivered the commencement address for the Quinnipiac University School of Education, Class of 2021, on May 9, 2021.
ANSONIA — The school year got underway last week without its leader at the helm.
Superintendent of Schools Joseph DiBacco remains out on medical leave after complications from what’s considered a routine surgery in July.
Reached by email Monday, (Aug. 30), DiBacco said he hoped to be back in his office as soon as possible.
“I hoped to return July 19, but that never happened,” DiBacco said. “It is extremely difficult not to be at the helm as the school year starts. I am improving daily and I hope to return as quickly as possible. I am amazed by the love, support and prayers from the Ansonia community — Mayor Cassetti and his team, Chris Phipps and Rich Bshara and the entire BOE, the Alderman (and women). The teachers, administration, staff, and parents/families have overwhelmed me with love and well wishes.”
“After the ordeal that I have endured, I can be sure that we will do everything to make this year successful and keep everyone safe. It is my hope and desire to back as soon as my doctors let me and I really want to watch a Thanksgiving football game and come home and enjoy the day with family and friends. Ansonia is a tremendous community with a HUGE heart…when we say ‘Ansonia Strong’ we truly mean it!”
DiBacco said prior to his departure, he continued to meet every Thursday through the school year with his “core team,” which he said understands “the vision of the district and has all the capabilities of executing a safe stat for staff and students.”
“Ansonia public schools are unbelievably fortunate to have such talented and dedicated staff, and in my absence they are determined to make this year a complete success,” DiBacco added.
Board of Education member Sharon Voroschak Papcin is anticipating DiBacco’s return.
“I can only say that I look forward to our Super Joe’s speedy recovery and full return,” she said. “He has brought so much positive progress to our schools.”
Voroschak Papcin noted that 26 new staff members were hired over the last school year, “with no pink slips in the last two years under Dr. DiBacco.” She also said a number of new class offerings for students and partnerships with local colleges and businesses, including Quinnipiac University and Sikorsky were made possible since DiBacco came onboard back in 2019.
“That’s crazy amazing,” she said.
While DiBacco is out on leave, Assistant Superintendent Stephen Bergin is temporarily in charge. Begin, a Cheshire native, came onboard in July 2019, filling DiBacco’s previous role as assistant superintendent when he was promoted to superintendent. Prior to coming to Ansonia, Begin held various administrative, leadership and teaching positions in school districts in Southington, Orange, Hamden and Westport.
“I can’t talk about Joe’s specifics, due to HIPPA HIPAA, but I can say we look forward to his return, and we miss him,” Bergin said. “Until then we have confidence in our strong Central Office leadership team, our building administrators and staff in continuing our excellent work in meeting the needs of our students.”
Ansonia students and staff returned back to class last Thursday (Aug. 26) for the start of the 2021 – 2022 school year.
