From The Henry Hudson Tri-District website.
New Seymour Schools Superintendent Susan Compton.
SEYMOUR — A new face will greet students and staff as they head back to class for the start of the 2021 – 2022 school year on Wednesday (Sept.1).
Earlier this month the board of education hired Dr. Susan Compton, a Kentucky-native, to lead the district. Compton replaces former Superintendent Michael Wilson, who resigned earlier this year after being at the helm for nearly four years.
The board was assisted in its search by a national consulting firm Ray & Associates, with a local office based in Trumbull, and held various forums with parents, staff and community members to aid in the process
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Compton was among three finalists for the job, and ultimately became the board’s top choice when she was hired at the Aug. 16 school board meeting. Compton will earn an annual salary of $192,500. She began the job here on Aug. 25. Board Chairman Ed Strumello said the job attracted 256 inquires, with 28 people completing an application.
“Dr. Compton has experience at all levels-teacher, principal, central office positions, assistant superintendent and superintendent,” Strumello said. “She is intelligent and well-spoken.”
Prior to coming to Seymour, Compton was employed as a Tri-District Superintendent since 2013 in the Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Henry Hudson Regional school district in New Jersey. A University of Kentucky graduate, Compton spent the last 40 years working in education.
During an interview with Ray & Associates, Compton fielded questions from parents, staff, the board and the community at large about her vision, goals and where she sees herself over the next few years.
“My main focus is all about kids and student achievement, and always doing what is best for children from the boardroom to the classroom,” Compton said. “I’m very impressed with the great work that’s going on here in Seymour school district, and will build on that. I want to make a leadership difference, and in three to five years, hopefully I’ll be able to make a big difference in the Seymour schools. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and give the job 100 percent.”
Compton said anytime a new leader comes onboard, it’s important “to get the feel of the district, understand the school climate and culture and see what has worked well and what isn’t working well.” She plans to hold small group meetings with staff, conduct surveys and will have “an open door policy” to get to know folks.
“I plan on doing a lot of listening,” she noted. “My first thing is to build relationships so I can build respect and trust. I have experienced a lot in my 40 years in education, and I didn’t get her without teamwork.”
Compton pitched herself as a “motivator, a believer in teamwork” and someone with a lot of experience that came “not from a book or a degree,” but rather from being in the classroom and in the boardroom.
“I’m a life learner and I’m ready for another challenge,” Compton said. “I love growing leaders and love seeing students excel. I can assure you, you will be in good hands.”
As for starting another new school year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Compton is excited for what lies ahead.
“We are excited to open our doors for in-person learning and to have a normal school year as much as possible,” Compton wrote in a welcome letter to parents.
With a full return to in-person learning, school officials are reminding parents, students and staff of some important things, including a state-mandated mask mandate, where all students, staff and personnel are required to wear masks inside school buildings and on buses until at least Sept. 30.
