Region 15 Appoints New Assistant Superintendent, New Principal

Region 15 Superintendent of Schools Regina Lemerich Botsford has appointed Dr. Carrie L. Chiappetta as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and Jon T. Romeo as Principal of Gainfield Elementary School, effective July 1, 2016, according to a news release.

Dr. Chiappetta and Mr. Romeo were introduced to the public at the Board of Education meeting at Pomperaug High School in the All Purpose Room.

Their hires are the result of an extensive search and interview process which garnered 46 applications for the position of Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning and 45 applications for the Gainfield Principal position.

The search process included representation of parents, teachers, and district administrators. Region 15 appreciates the dedication of the committee members who worked diligently and thoughtfully in the interest of our students and our region as part of the selection process for these two administrators.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Chiappetta and Mr. Romeo to Region 15. I am confident that their professional preparation and their personal qualities will enable us to continue to work together with our community and staff to even further develop the excellence in education that is the hallmark of Region 15,” said Patricia Perry, Board of Education Chair in a news release.

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning: Dr. Carrie L. Chiappetta

Dr. Carrie L. Chiappetta is currently the Director for Secondary School Improvement and Professional Development in Stamford, having spent ten years in the classroom and ten years in administrative positions of increasing responsibility. Her professional work has been recognized through awards, publications, and websites, and she has presented at numerous conferences. She holds an Educational Doctorate degree in Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. She holds a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport and a Master of Arts degree in Slavic/Eastern European Studies from the University of Connecticut. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of Dayton.

“I am delighted to be joining the leadership team of Region 15,” says Chiappetta. “I am looking forward to partnering with the staff and community members of Region 15, and continuing to grow the fine work already in place in this district.”

Dr. Chiappetta understands and appreciates Region 15’s long-standing quest for educational excellence and is eager to join our professional community. She has an impressive depth and breadth of knowledge related to teaching and learning in mathematics and across all disciplines. She also brings to Region 15 a wealth of experience in district-level leadership that will serve the region and the community well.

“Dr. Chiappetta comes to us with many impressive credentials and a strong commitment to work together as a team to continue to develop rigorous and engaging instruction for all of our students,” said Botsford.

Dr. Chiappetta will replace Richard Gusenburg who is serving as Interim Assistant Superintendent during the 2015-16 school year. Prior to that Kelly Lyman served as Assistant Superintendent since 2011. She is now Superintendent of Mansfield Public Schools in Mansfield, Connecticut.

Gainfield Elementary School Principal: Mr. Jon T. Romeo

Mr. Jon T. Romeo joins Gainfield Elementary School with vast educational leadership experience, serving as a Principal in both suburban and urban school districts for the past 17 years. He is currently the Principal of Macdonough Elementary School in Middletown, Connecticut, a position he has held since 2007.

Mr. Romeo has garnered numerous recognitions for his schools including a United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Award for Windham Center Elementary School, where he was Principal from 2004-2007. He has also served as Elementary Principal for Bradford Elementary School in Westerly, Rhode Island and for Mitchell Elementary School in Woodbury, Connecticut.

Mr. Romeo holds a 6th Year Diploma in Educational Administration from Southern Connecticut State University. He holds a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Science, both from Central Connecticut State University.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to become a part of the Gainfield School community,” said Romeo. “ I look forward to learning more about the great work taking place in Region 15 and to meeting students, parents, and staff in the weeks ahead.”

Mr. Romeo’s background as an elementary teacher and principal has provided him with a unique blend of skills and attributes. He values and promotes community engagement, educational excellence and a positive school climate.

“Mr. Romeo’s dedication to school and community and his capacity for working with staff and community to maximize student learning makes him a perfect fit for Gainfield and a wonderful addition to our administrative team,” said Botsford.

Romeo will replace Mary Lou Torre who is serving as Interim Principal at Gainfield for the 2015-16 school year, following the resignation of Matthew Salvestrini who left the Principal position to become the Director of Digital Learning for New Canaan Public Schools.

Gainfield Elementary School serves approximately 370 students in grades K-5. The Southbury school is one of the four elementary schools in Pomperaug Regional School District #15.

Cutline: Dr. Carrie L. Chiappetta, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning of Region 15 Schools

Cutline: Mr. Jon T. Romeo, Principal of Gainfield Elementary School in Southbury