NHS Principal

Moving On

By Laurie Borst

Newtown High School Principal Arlene Gottesman has announced that she will leave her post at the high school on August 1 to accept a position as assistant superintendent in the Wilton school system.

 “I feel happy and sad. Happy with the people I’ll work with. I spent much of my career near there. I taught in Norwalk schools for 21 years,” Ms Gottesman stated.

The new position will afford her more opportunity to spend time with her family. Geographically, she will be closer to family on Long Island.

There are other connections to Wilton for her. She was the tennis coach in Norwalk and played against the Wilton team. And, there are several teachers at Wilton schools who had been her students in Norwalk.

“This was a very difficult decision because I really love it here,” Ms Gottesman said of Newtown. “But, careerwise, they offered me an opportunity I couldn’t turn down at this stage of my career. I knew of the position and the people. It’s a similar community to Newtown.

“This is probably the best staff I’ve ever worked with in my career,” she continued. “Newtown’s very lucky to have the staff it does. They will work to help all students really understand and want to help kids. This is what a true teacher is.”

“We are actively soliciting strong retired principals, hoping to put one in place soon,” said Elaine McClure, chair of the Board of Education. “We are getting advice from our new superintendent.”

Ms McClure went on to explain that there is not enough time to do a search for a permanent principal before mid-August.

“Pat Llodra was the last interim principal and the school kept progressing under her. We hope to have same thing again,” Ms McClure added. “I congratulate Arlene, but it’s definitely a loss for the district.

“We are planning to open school with an interim principal. We are not going to ever settle in Newtown. We will do two searches and use an interim until we find the right person.”

“It came as a surprise to us,” said interim superintendent Tom Jokubaitis. “Arlene has had an opportunity presented that’s a once-in-a-career opportunity. Wilton has a solid reputation. I’m sorry I won’t have the opportunity to work with her for an extended period of time.

“We are trying to go through professional organizations and my personal network to find an interim principal,” Mr Jokubaitis continued. “We want to have an experienced principal on board as soon as possible. Joan Libby and HR are preparing materials for the active recruitment process. We would like to have a new principal in place by the first of year or the end of first semester.”