The board held its virtual meeting via YouTube on Monday (April 12). Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Pomp and Circumstance on Tap
The board voted in favor of setting June 18 (with a June 19 rain date) as the graduation date for Seymour High School’s Class of 2021. Preliminary plans call for an in-person, outdoor ceremony, with each student allotted two tickets apiece for guests. However, because the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, Superintendent of Schools Michael Wilson said nothing can exactly be set in stone just yet.
“The Seymour High School administration has been working very closely with me to plan for a wonderful graduation ceremony this year, which we are all very excited about,” Wilson said. “Currently, we are planning for an in-person graduation event where each graduate will be allowed to invite two guests. This is still dependent on any guidance that we receive from the state in terms of allowable numbers.”
No matter what happens, this will be Wilson’s final graduation in Seymour. He announced earlier this year that he’s leaving the district at the end of June.
“It is bittersweet for me,” Wilson said. “As a superintendent, first and last graduation ceremonies are very special when you are a part of a district and more importantly a part of our students’ lives. Considering that I started with this class when they were ninth graders and now have the chance to technically graduate with them is something that is very special to me and is something that I will always remember and cherish.”
Last year’s graduation featured a drive-through ceremony, due to COVID-19, where graduates, clad in blue and gold masks with the Wildcat paw print, exited their cars and walked up the front of the school steps to accept their diplomas.
The Search is On
After reviewing proposals from several consulting firms, the board voted in favor of bringing Ray & Associates, Inc., onboard to assist in the search for a new superintendent. Wilson, 47, is leaving June 30 after nearly four years as schools’ chief.
The firm is based in Iowa, but the board will work with its local representative, Dr. John Ramos, based out of Trumbull. Ramos is a longtime educator and former Deputy Commissioner for the state Department of Education. Ray & Associates recently assisted school districts in Waterbury, Greenwich, Bridgeport, Hartford and New Britain with their superintendent searches, Strumello said.
The consultant fee is $18,000.
“This is a process that most, if not all, boards use to hire superintendents,” Strumello said. “We end up making the final decision, but all the earlier steps are better coordinated by professional consulting firms. Remember, board members are unpaid volunteers who have jobs and other responsibilities and can’t spend hours doing the search process steps.”
The firm, in part, will gather input from a cross section of the community, including school employees, parents, students and others. In addition, they’ll develop and manage the candidate screening process, check references, conduct background checks, line up observations and interviews for the board and assist with contract negotiations.
“This is an intense and important process that we are beginning and we want to do the best for the Seymour School District,” Strumello said.
Top Principal
The board bestowed kudos upon Chatfield-Lopresti School Principal David Olechna for being named “The Dawn Hochsprung Outstanding Elementary Principal of the Year” by the Connecticut Parent-Teacher Association.
Nominated by CLS’ PTA, Olechna said he was thrilled with the honor.
“It means a great deal,” he said “It reflects the positive relationship that has existed and continues to grow between our CLS PTA and myself. I feel it is important to be positive and enthusiastic every day and connect with the kids and staff. I appreciate having strong rapport with our kids. I want to be visible to them and be someone they feel they can just approach and strike up a conversation on any topic of their choosing, knowing that I truly care and will listen to what they have to say.”
The two elementary schools merged in 2012, and Olechna said he’s proud of the accomplishments made since the schools joined forces.
Olechna draws on his own positive experiences with past teachers and principals growing up, and brings that to his style of leadership.
“I really do care about everyone and I think it is important to make sure that it genuinely shows,” he said. “I also feel being a parent of five greatly helps as I know how I would want my children treated and taught. I feel it is important to treat others the way they wish they would be treated.”
