Glastonbury Superintendent Dr. Alan B. Bookman To Retire In 2026 After 55-Year Career

GLASTONBURY, CT — Glastonbury Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan B. Bookman has announced he will retire, effective June 30.

The decision marks the conclusion of a 55-year career in education for Bookman.

He began his professional journey as a high school math teacher in West Hartford. He later served as a department chair and assistant principal at Hall High School.

In 1984, he joined the Glastonbury school district as the principal of Glastonbury High School. During his tenure at the high school, the student population increased from 1,300 to 2,300 students.

Bookman recalls his time at the high school as a meaningful chapter of his professional life.

He says, "I will always treasure the moments when former students approach me to share that they still remember me as their principal. Those connections are a powerful reminder of why this work matters so deeply."

In 2003, Bookman became the district’s interim assistant superintendent. He was appointed superintendent in 2004, taking over for retiring Superintendent Jacqueline Jacoby.

He has led the Glastonbury district for 22 years.

In his retirement announcement, he told staff, "In many ways, I am still a math teacher at heart: curious, solving problems, and learning beside staff and students."

Under his leadership, the district completed major construction projects including Nayaug Elementary and the Glastonbury-East Hartford Elementary Magnet School. He also oversaw renovations such as the GHS STEAM Lab and the Fieldhouse.

Bookman introduced several district initiatives, including full-day kindergarten and one-to-one computing systems. He also implemented digital platforms like PowerSchool and ParentSquare.

Reflecting on his years in the district, he thanked the Board of Education and the community for their support. He told administrators that it has been the honor of my career to work beside you.

"You have been thoughtful partners, steady leaders, and trusted advisors," he said.

Bookman also thanked families for their "partnership and trust," noting that their involvement "helped make the district successful."

Bookman’s legacy includes mentoring educators who later became superintendents in other Connecticut districts. Seven current or past state superintendents worked under his leadership.

He plans to spend his retirement with his wife, daughter, and three grandchildren.

The Board of Education will coordinate with the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education to begin a search for his successor. The process will include input from parents, staff, and students to develop a profile for the next superintendent.