It has been a tough time for superintendents but a recent wave of fresh leadership could bring some new energy to a somewhat beleaguered education system.
While there have been some high-profile departures and dismissals over the last few months, a wide range of districts have installed new superintendents in just the last week.
East Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut has also chosen one of its own graduates as its new superintendent. That former student is Thomas Anderson, who is currently superintendent of the New Bedford School District across the border in Massachusetts.
Anderson previously served as superintendent of the Randolph Public School District, also in Massachusetts, and began his education career as a teacher in East Hartford, which is also his hometown.
Interim Superintendent Crystal Leach was installed as the full-time leader of the Sequoia Union High School District, which is just south of San Francisco, the Almanac reported.
Leach had been filling in for former superintendent Darnise Williams, whose departure late last year sparked some controversy in the diverse community that comprises wealthy Silicon Valley communities and some much less-affluent neighborhoods, according to the Almanac.
Two of the biggest districts to hire new leaders are the Martin County School District in Flordia and Clovid USD in California. Deputy Superintendent Michael Maine will take the reins when Superintendent John D. Millay steps down at the end of the school year. Maine was first hired as the district’s executive director of principals and professional standards in 2021.
Clovis USD picked an alumnus who is also a long-time educator in the central California district as its new leader. Associate Superintendent of School Leadership Corrine Folmer—who has served Clovis as a teacher, guidance instructional specialist, learning director, elementary principal and assistant superintendent—will replace Superintendent Eimear O’Brien, who plans to retire on June 30.
Several other leaders were appointed this week:
- Jinger Haberer, Academy District 20 (Colorado). Haberer is superintendent of the Ellensburg School District in Washington. She was previously an administrator in the Poudre and Aurora school districts in Colorado and was also a teacher in Oklahoma and Nevada.
- Catherine Trevathan, Hillsdale Local Schools (Ohio). Trevathan has served in administrative positions in the U.S. and overseas for over 15 years. She takes over Aug 1.
- Patrick Spray, Perry Township Schools (Indianapolis). Spray, who takes over on July 1, is currently the superintendent at Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation, also in Indiana.
- Brenda Padgett, Onalaska School District (Washington). Padgett is currently the executive director of business and operations for the nearby Tenino School District and will shift to Onalaska this summer.
Brenda Padgett (Onalaska School District) - Dan Enich, Hancock County Schools (West Virginia). Enich is currently the district’s director of career tech and adult education, The Weirton Daily Times reported.
- Peter Hopke, School District of Solon Springs (Wisconsin). Hopke is now the director of pupil services and special education for the Spooner Area School District, also in Wiscosin. the Superior Telegram reported.
- Sean Koster, New Ulm Public Schools (Minnesota). Koster has been the superintendent of Beacon Academy, a K-8 charter school in Minneapolis, for the past 14 years, according to The Journal.
- Tracy Piazza, Easton Area School District (Pennsylvania). Piazza is currently the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, WFMZ reported.
- Patrick Martin, Trussville City Schools (Alabama). Martin is currently the assistant superintendent of operations and services at Vestavia Hills City Schools, also in Alabama, the Vestavia Voice reported.
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