New Superintendent Named For Fairfield Schools

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield Public Schools has a new superintendent in Mike Cummings. The school board voted unanimously to offer the position to Cummings, who is the district's chief academic officer, at a special meeting Wednesday.

"I'm just deeply honored and humbled to be the next superintendent," Cummings said after the vote. "... Together we have to make sure that what we know works actually happens."

Board of Education Chair Christine Vitale signed Cummings' contract at the meeting. The contract begins Aug. 12 and extends through June 2022. Cummings' annual base salary will be $223,000, according to Vitale.

Cummings replaces former superintendent Toni Jones, who announced in January she would leave the district over the summer to lead Greenwich Public Schools. Stephen Tracy has served as Fairfield's interim superintendent since July 1. During the past six months, the board hired search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to help find Jones' replacement, gathered community feedback and considered 23 applicants, interviewing six in early June, Vitale said.

"It was a national search," she said.

The board was looking for a candidate who would build a climate of trust while setting high expectations, according to Vitale. Board members also wanted someone capable of planning and managing in a way that prioritizes the long-term financial health of the district.

Member Jennifer Leeper said Cummings has both a knowledge of educational pedagogy and a practical understanding of students.

"He has built a tremendous amount of trust and respect," she said.

Vice Chair Nick Aysseh spoke about Cummings' familiarity with the district as well as his passion and vision.

"Mr. Cummings has the knowledge and experience to work on preparing a long-term plan that meets and exceeds the needs of our students," Aysseh said.

Cummings began his career in 1986 as a history teacher at Milford's Foran High School, according to a news release from Fairfield Public Schools. He taught at several Milford schools before working as a principal, first at an elementary school and then at a high school in the district. Cummings was promoted in 2007 to assistant superintendent of Milford Public Schools and was hired by Fairfield Public Schools in 2015 as director of elementary education.

Born and raised in Milford, Cummings is a graduate of Fairfield University. He also holds a degree in school administration from Southern Connecticut State University and a superintendent certification from the executive leadership program at the University of Connecticut.