Newest Farmington School Administrator To Focus On Special Pupil Needs

Farmington School System

FARMINGTON, CT — Local school officials announced recently the appointment of new district-wide education administrator with the hiring of a new special services supervisor.

The Farmington Board of Education and Farmington Superintendent of Schools Kathleen C. Greider said veteran Waterbury school psychologist/administrator Melina Rodriguez will become the new supervisor of special services for Farmington schools.

She will start work July 1 and will replace Ted Donahue, the current assistant director of special services, who is retiring effective June 30. Donahue has spent 23 years in Farmington.

Rodriquez comes to Farmington with a "great deal of expertise in developing systems of tiered interventions, social and emotional learning curricula and mental health supports at all levels within the Waterbury Public Schools."

Rodriquez was a bilingual school psychologist prior to taking on multiple roles in Waterbury schools' special services department.

“Given Melina Rodriguez’s expertise and impressive professional background, she will most assuredly continue Farmington’s commitment to providing exemplary mental health services and supports for pre-K to 12," Farmington Board of Education Chairperson Liz Fitzsimmons said in a statement.

Greider said “Melina brings extensive experience to the position of Farmington’s Supervisor of Special Services. Her background as a former school psychologist with a deep knowledge of student development, social emotional well-being and acceleration of learning will enhance and advance programming throughout all of our schools."

Rodriques said she was excited to com to Farmington.

"I am so grateful and honored to have been invited to join this amazing community of educators and the entire Farmington community," she said.

Rodriguez earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven in 2002.

She has a master’s degree, sixth-year degree and certification in school psychology from Southern Connecticut State University.

Rodriguez has served as supervisor of special education/pupil services for over 10 years in Waterbury and was appointed the assistant director of special education/pupil services in Waterbury.

Prior to that, she was a bilingual school psychologist for six years in Waterbury.

For the full announcement, click on this link.