At 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night (Friday, Jan. 17), the Newtown School Board will have a special, one-item agenda meeting in the Municipal Center chambers to discuss and announce its choice for a new schools superintendent.
School officials last week confirmed news that Southington Schools Superintendent Joseph Erardi Jr. had emerged as the top candidate, and on Friday the board selection committee visited the district. Expectations were that after the visit, and negotiations for a formal offer were complete, the board will make its announcement about the search.
As the process has been kept confidential to protect the candidates who applied, some 30 in all from across the country, board members have been held to secrecy. But Erardi did notify his district and town leaders last week he was the “candidate of choice” and was willing to make such a move only because he saw his skills as a seasoned superintendent and educational leader as suited to the needs of Newtown as it proceeds with its recovery from the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.
Erardi was praised as a true educator and strong communicator who would be a strong candidate for Newtown. Education insiders in Newtown say Erardi’s credentials are a clear match for what Newtown requires as it moves ahead with its recovery process and continued focus on academic accomplishments.
Erardi will replace Schools Superintendent Janet Robinson who resigned in May to become superintendent in Stratford. Interim Schools Superintendent John Reed has been leading the district since May. School board member have said they hoped to have a new superintendent on the job by spring.
The meeting is open to the public.