Superintendent Search
- RSD17's New Superintendent Appointed - August 3, 2021
- Community Profile - July 6, 2021
- Virtual Public Forums - June 24 and June 30, 2021 @ 7 PM
- RSD17 Superintendent Search Survey
- Appointment of RSD17 Interim Superintendent
RSD17's New Superintendent Appointed - August 3, 2021
Dear HK Community Members,
We are pleased to announce the Board of Education has appointed Mr. Jeffrey Wihbey as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective October 12, 2021.
Mr. Wihbey has had a distinguished career in public education, most recently serving as the Superintendent of Schools for the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), leading and advocating for more than 11,000 diverse students throughout the state. His educational career began in the classroom teaching High School Social Studies before taking roles as a High School Assistant Principal, Elementary School Principal, K-8 STEM Magnet School Founding Principal, and Assistant Superintendent.
Accomplishments during his Superintendency at CTECS include leading the completion of a strategic operating plan, closing out seven major school construction and renovation projects on time and on budget, and collaboratively implementing a blended learning 1:1 student laptop device process and program across the state. Mr. Wihbey’s legacy with CTECS will include high school graduation rates that are among the highest in the state.
A collaborative and visionary educational leader, Mr. Wihbey believes that every day, students, staff, faculty and administrators can improve over yesterday. Operating from this growth mindset, Jeff focuses on building trusting relationships with all stakeholders, developing human capital, and effective teaching in every classroom, with the ultimate goal of ensuring success for all students.
Suzanne Sack, Board of Education and hiring committee Chair expressed, “Jeff Wihbey is the right person at the right time to serve as RSD17 Superintendent. He has the necessary skill set and the appropriate focus, and it’s the right time in his career to invest deeply in the development and growth of our community’s children and the School District that serves them.”
Mr. Wihbey was selected from an applicant pool of thirty candidates. The process included screening, artifact submission, reference checks, background research, first round, then final round interviews with the hiring committee. The hiring committee was composed of the Regional School District 17 Board of Education and five advisory members representing parents, administration, staff, central office, and the Superintendent’s office.
Interim Superintendent, Dr. JeanAnn Paddyfote, will remain to work alongside Jeff for a successful transition.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Wihbey to the Haddam-Killingworth Community.
RSD17 Board of Education
Community Profile - July 6, 2021
Virtual Public Forums - June 24 and June 30, 2021 @ 7 PM
The RSD17 Board of Education will be hosting two virtual evening opportunities for community members to share their insight on the hiring of the next Superintendent of Schools.
On Thursday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 30, Dr. Joseph Erardi, the search consultant working with the Board of Education, will be facilitating a one-hour virtual meeting dedicated to gathering community input for the superintendent’s hiring committee.
The June 24 and June 30 meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.
Any resident needing additional information on the community conversation should contact Dr. Erardi at 571-480-0313.
Respectfully,
Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr.
RSD17 Superintendent Search Survey
The Region 17 Board of Education has begun its Superintendent of Schools search and is seeking your input and opinion on what you believe are the needed characteristics and attributes of a highly successful district leader.
Please see and complete the RSD17 Superintendent Search Survey.
In advance, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts as this survey will be collated with anonymity.
Please direct any further comments to search consultant, Dr. Joseph Erardi, at erardij@gmail.com or by calling 571-480-0313
Respectfully,
Dr. Joseph Erardi
Appointment of RSD17 Interim Superintendent
Dear Haddam and Killingworth Community Members:
On behalf of the entire Board of Education, thank you for your partnership throughout this challenging year. We look forward to celebrating at the many year-end ceremonies at our schools.
As you all know, our Superintendent, Dr. Holly Hageman, is leaving the District, effective June 30th, and we wish her well and success in her new role.
We are pleased to inform you that the Board of Education, after careful consideration and due diligence, has appointed Dr. JeanAnn Paddyfote as an Interim Superintendent, effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Paddyfote has a proven record of success as a superintendent of 13.5 years and post retirement as Interim Superintendent in several school districts, including a recent six month post in neighboring Madison where she led the district from July to December, 2021 and kept all schools open and safely operating.
In 1973, she began her educational career as a fifth grade teacher and has served in various roles including special education teacher, District-Wide Department Chair for Special Education, Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Services, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Interim Superintendent and Superintendent.
This will be her fourth assignment as an Interim for a district in transition to a new Superintendent. Dr. Paddyfote’s references - both in writing and verbally - were filled with acknowledgements of excellent leadership and management skills, exceptional work ethic, and tenacious problem solving. She is described as smart, professional, responsive, and collaborative. In addition, all references, from various perspectives, described her as a pleasure to work with and aware of and experienced in the unique role of the Interim.
The Board expects that she will respect the District’s mission and values, the team of professionals who serve in it, and complete her assignment to allow the new Superintendent to transition into the role seamlessly.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. JeanAnn Paddyfote to RSD17 School District.
RSD17 Board of Education