Avon OKs Two New Assistant School Chiefs

AVON, CT — School started Monday in Avon and, while it represented a first day for students, it was a first day of sorts for several contract employees, including two central office level administrators whose new roles were finalized the week before.

The Avon Board of Education met Aug. 23 and unanimously approved the contracts of five employees, including two assistant superintendents of schools.

It was the first in-person meeting, according to Avon Board of Education Chairperson Debra Chute, in about two years, a situation caused by the pandemic.

"This is very nice. It feels like a full circle moment," Chute said early in the meeting.

The first employee contract finalized as part of a consent agenda was Avon Assistant Superintendent Jess Giannini, who last year was Avon Middle School principal.

He has also served many other roles in the district.

"I feel very fortunate to be here," Giannini said to school board members. "Avon is a district that means a lot to me."

The contract, among other components, has Giannini earning $185,000 and it extends through the 2024-25 school year, though the board could extend that pact longer.

School board members also approved the contract for Avon Assistant Superintendent of Schools Roberto Medic, who last year was the district's human resources director

His salary, according to the contract, is for $182,000 per year and it extends to the 2024-25 school year as well.

"I consider myself truly privileged to work in this district," Medic said Aug. 23.

Both will serve under Dr. Bridget Carnemolla, Avon's superintendent of schools.

"It's an amazing team that I think we are providing to Dr. Carnemolla," Chute said. "Congratulations to all of our hires."

Other contracts approved last week were:

• Tasonn Hayes, who will be the district's student and family support coordinator at a salary of $141,000 through June 2023, with the board able to extend the contract.

•Maria Mascoli, who will be the district assistant coordinator of internships and transition programs at a salary of $60,000 with evaluations taking place by the superintendent every June.

• Heather Colebrook, who will be a school nurse assigned to Avon High School at a salary of $66,388 or $45.87 an hour.

To watch the Aug. 23 Avon Board of Education meeting, click on this link.

To read the contracts of all five employees approved by the school board, click on this link and scroll down.