After meeting for a private executive session to interview a candidate for position of Reed Intermediate School principal, the Board of Education (BOE) convened for its public session on the evening of July 9.

During that time, the BOE unanimously voted to hire Dr Matthew Correia of Middlebury as principal of Reed Intermediate School, effective August 9, 2019.

“Welcome to the district… We are so glad to have you with us,” BOE Chair Michelle Embree Ku said.

While everyone in attendance stood and applauded, Dr Correia made his way to the front of the room to formally thank the BOE members and Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue.

“As I shared in my first interview, I have a passion for doing this. I truly love working with students,” Dr Correia explained.

Looking toward the faculty members who were gathered in the audience, he expressed that he looks forward to working with the “wonderful group” of staff at Reed Intermediate School.

Concluding his sentiments, he said, “Thank you for this opportunity. I am truly honored that I was selected.”

Dr Rodrigue thanked the hiring search committee for their work that saw 72 finalists for the position.

“When I got to interview Matt, I was just overwhelmed by his exuberance, enthusiasm, and his positive leadership — and his references were outstanding,” Dr Rodrigue said.

According to Dr Correia’s resume, he has more than a decade of professional experience in the field and has served as principal of Willard Elementary School in Berlin, Conn., since July 2014. Under his leadership, the school was named a School of Distinction by the State Department of Education in 2019.

Dr Correia received his Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership in May of 2016. He also has an Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor certification, as well as an Elementary Education, kindergarten through sixth grade, certification.

Before the BOE took a brief break in the meeting to celebrate Dr Correia’s hiring as principal, Dr Rodrigue said to him, “We are very lucky and fortunate to have you here in Newtown.”

Maintenance Approvals

Prior to the announcement of Dr Correia’s hiring at the start of the public meeting, the BOE passed the motion to add the discussion about the carpeting/flooring installation bid at Newtown High School, Newtown Middle School, and Reed Intermediate School to the agenda, which passed unanimously.

Upon voting on the execution of it, the BOE passed it unanimously.

Also passing unanimously was the HVAC bid for Reed Intermediate School and Newtown High School. The Board voted for a one-year contract term with Harry Grodsky & Company for $131,800, with the option to renew for one or two years upon a successful first-year performance.

In addition, Dr Rodrigue gave BOE members information on summertime facility updates. She shared that there will be ongoing work to maintain school landscapes, including at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“I also wanted to share that EverSource and Lewis Tree Service will be removing six white pines and one maple tree at the middle school in the area that is adjacent to Frontier Communications,” Dr Rodrigue said. “This is really, truly due to the interference of power lines… it’s been targeted as a safety issue. The Borough, Tree Warden, and the Town of Newtown are fully aware.”

For more information on the Board of Education’s upcoming meetings, visit newtown-ct.gov/board-education.