The Stratford Board of Education appointed Newtown’s Assistant Superintendent of Schools Linda Gejda for its new assistant superintendent during a meeting on Monday, April 27.

Dr Gejda responded to the news on Wednesday, April 29, saying the decision, “was a very difficult one for me. Newtown is obviously a very special community… very supportive of its school district… and I’ve been extremely privileged to work with skilled individuals…”

Dr Gejda said the educators and administrators she has worked with in Newtown have always had their primary focus on the education of Newtown’s students.

Sharing her excitement for the new opportunity, which she said she applied for before going through the interview process, Dr Gejda said the new position will be “a journey.”

Dr Gejda was hired to serve as Newtown’s assistant principal by the Board of Education in April 2007, and she began her duties that July. Before coming to Newtown Dr Gejda served as the K–12 supervisor for math, science, and technology for the Manchester School District.

When Dr Gejda came to the district, she said her predecessor had set her up for success and she plans to do the same for her successor. Dr Gejda said she expects to assume her new role in Stratford at the start of July and before then, she plans to document her efforts until then to create information to help Newtown’s next assistant superintendent.

Dr Gejda also said she is working with Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, to develop a plan and she is following his guidance on preparing for the transition.

Newtown’s former superintendent of schools Janet Robinson is currently serving as the superintendent in Stratford.

While attending workshops last summer, Dr Gejda said she met a number of Stratford educators and those educators have already reached out to her, adding to her sense of being welcomed to the Stratford community.

“Educators will always have a special bond and a special network,” said Dr Gejda, adding later, “our work is all about kids.”

Saying he has appreciated Dr Gejda’s efforts over her time in Newtown, Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander said Dr Gejda has always been dedicated to the district, advancing the curriculum for students, and she has guided educational work. He also said Dr Gejda has supported the superintendents throughout her time in the district.

“She has done us a lot of good,” he said.

Mr Alexander said he expects Dr Erardi to present a timeline to the school board at its next meeting to outline the steps for hiring the next assistant superintendent of schools.

Dr Erardi also said on Wednesday that Dr Gejda works tirelessly for children, “working well beyond her job description.”

“Dr Gejda will be missed; however, her legacy of best practice in so many instructional areas will continue to remind all of us how valuable she was in her role with teaching and learning,” said Dr Erardi. “I wish her only the best as she pursues new and exciting challenges.”