Superintendent Leaving Fairfield To Lead Greenwich Schools

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Board of Education Friday hired Dr. Toni Jones, currently Superintendent of Fairfield Public Schools, as the new Superintendent in Greenwich, effective July 1, the board announced Friday.

Jones, who has been Fairfield's superintendent since December of 2016, was selected following a comprehensive nationwide search, and she will be the Greenwich school district's 13th leader in the past 21 years.

"Based on her many successes as a district leader, principal and classroom teacher, Dr. Jones has the ability to propel the Greenwich Public Schools strategic plan goals of student growth in academic, personal and interpersonal skills forward," said Board of Education Chair Peter Bernstein in a statement. "She has successfully initiated personalized, digital and virtual learning strategies in the districts she has led. She is well acclimated to Connecticut, and understands the value of open dialogue and involvement with and from the community. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Jones to Greenwich in July."

Currently, former Eastern Middle School Principal Ralph F. Mayo is serving as interim Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools, following the resignation last year of Dr. Jill Gildea after one year in the job.

"The Board of Education would like to thank Interim Superintendent of Schools Ralph Mayo for his unyielding commitment to the Greenwich Public Schools and his steady leadership this year. Ralph will continue as Interim Superintendent for the balance of the school year, and we look forward to him continuing as a senior leader in the school system thereafter," said Bernstein and the board's search committee Chair Kathleen Stowe.

While the board's vote for Jones was overwhelming, it was not unanimous. Board member Peter Sherr was the sole no vote, writes Greenwich Free Press.

"As your incoming superintendent, I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead Greenwich Public Schools well into the next decade of excellence," Jones stated. "I am looking forward to making Greenwich my new home, and I can’t wait to start meeting the staff and getting engaged in this fabulous community. While I have a few more months until my official arrival, I can ensure the Town of Greenwich that I will arrive ready to work hard and continue to move Greenwich Public Schools forward as one of the premier school systems in the nation."

Added Stowe, "I was excited to lead the search, which resulted in a robust candidate pool from across the country, including many from Connecticut. The quantity and quality of the candidates demonstrated the strong brand of the Greenwich Public Schools and, ultimately, made for a very difficult decision. Dr. Jones stood out for her positive attitude, forward thinking approach, proven success in comparable districts, and the value she places on community involvement."

According to the Greenwich district:

Dr. Jones has been a superintendent in high performing and comparable districts. She is an energetic leader who listens well and creates positive momentum. Dr. Jones brings best practices from other districts, but also understands Greenwich is a strong and established community. She has had leadership experience in Australia, Oklahoma, and Northern Virginia, in both private and public schools, before settling in Connecticut. In Falls Church, Virginia she pushed the focus to personalized learning over a 5 ½ year journey, and instituted hybrid learning which allowed for 24/7 access to curriculum and courses 365 days a year. In Fairfield, she led advancements in technology and moved the district forward by implementing programming focused on social and emotional support for all students.

Additionally, Dr. Jones has successfully managed many construction projects, both planned and unanticipated. Dr. Jones is married with two adult children. Her husband, John Jones, is a science teacher at Greenwich High School. As Dr. Jones notes, she is, "excited to have this fabulous opportunity for our family to work and live in the same area of Connecticut and in such a beautiful and vibrant place."

"I will miss Dr. Jones, but wish her well as she gives leadership to the Greenwich Public Schools," stated Philip Dwyer, former Chair and current Fairfield Board of Education member. "She achieved the Board goals set for her, managed the District well and was especially good at communicating with parents and the school staff. Fairfield has an excellent school system. However, Dr. Jones challenged us to constantly find new ways to improve our programs."

Photo of Dr. Toni Jones via Greenwich Public Schools

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