Joseph DiBacco, right.
Dr. Joseph DiBacco has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2019.
Dr. DiBacco, assistant superintendent since August 2017, takes the reins from Dr. Carol Merlone, who announced her retirement on Jan. 9.
The Ansonia Board of Education voted unanimously at its Jan. 9 meeting, approving the promotion of Dr. DiBacco.
Dr. Merlone, who asked the board to endorse Dr. DiBacco as her replacement, wrote to Ansonia’s staff about the work ahead: “Joe has the heart and the mind to continue the fight and carry on the torch to get Ansonia’s children what they need… but what Joe needs more than anything is your support and collaboration. He needs the support of our administrators, teachers and staff members to work with him and work with each other. I know you will come through because that’s who WE are.’
Dr. DiBacco, who received congratulations at the board meeting from his colleagues, friends and family, expressed his gratitude to “all the people” who made it possible for him to accept the new role.
“While there are challenges ahead, we will work hard together to do what is best for the students of Ansonia. Simply stated, I am thankful for the opportunity to become Ansonia’s next Superintendent of Schools, and I welcome the challenges that lie ahead. I’m excited and honored to work with a dedicated staff and caring community. I plan to engineer a strong sense of family and community, with the healthy dose of success.”
Dr. DiBacco is a graduate of Boston College, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in special education. He obtained three additional degrees from Southern Connecticut State University, including a master’s degree in learning disabilities; his sixth year in educational leadership, and his doctorate in educational leadership in 2014.
He has also earned his 093 Superintendent certification and his 085 School Business Administrator certification from the State of Connecticut. He started his career as a special education teacher in Meriden before joining the administrative ranks in 2007 at Hamden High School, followed by Shepherd Glen elementary school in Hamden. He also taught for one year at SCSU as an adjunct professor.
Dr. DiBacco and his wife, Cherise, and their daughters, AnnaSophia, 5, and Lucia, 3, reside in Meriden. Another baby is expected in March.
(Note: The Valley Indy inquired about the new super’s annual salary. It has not been set yet, according to the district)
