Erardi Named Outstanding Administrator Of The Year By State PTA
Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, was surprised on Friday, April 1, when Middle Gate PTA President Debbie DeBlasi carried balloons and led a group of district educators and employees into a meeting with the news that he has been named the 2016 Outstanding Superintendent by the state Connecticut PTA.
The announcement was made during a weekly administrators meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center. Ms DeBlasi announced the award and presented Dr Erardi with his balloons, before the group and administrators present applauded the news and Dr Erardi.
Ms DeBlasi said two parents, a teacher, and Newtown Federation of Teachers President Tom Kuroski wrote letters in support of Dr Erardi's nomination to the state PTA.
Ms DeBlasi said a banquet is scheduled for May 3 to recognize all of the Outstanding Administrator of the Year awardees. The banquet will be held at the Costa Azzurra in Milford.
"He's just amazing," said Ms Deblasi, adding that Dr Erardi meets with all of the local PTA presidents each month. "I do not know how he does it. And he always does it with a smile and kindness."
Many others offered to write letters in support of Dr Erardi's nomination for the award, Ms DeBlasi said.
Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander said the award is a special recognition of Dr Erardi and it reflects on all district staff.
"As with our students being recognized, we are always pleased to have our staff's accomplishments noted beyond our district," Mr Alexander said after the award was announced Friday. "Dr Erardi continues to be an extraordinary superintendent and this award not only reflects his work but the hard work and support of his staff as well."
The other 2016 Outstanding Administrator of the Year awardees are Greg Hatziz, headmaster of Fairfield Ludlowe High School in Fairfield for High School Principal of the Year; Philip Piazza of North Haven Middle School for Middle School Principal of the Year, and Carrie Wessman Huber of Redding Elementary School for the Dawn Hochsprung Elementary School Principal of the Year award.