New Schools Superintendent Appointed In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Gary Highsmith was appointed as Hamden’s new superintendent of schools at a special Board of Education meeting on Monday.

The appointment is effective Sept. 1.

Highsmith has a long history with Hamden Public Schools and most recently served as assistant superintendent for human resources and administration. Prior to joining the Central Office staff in July 2015, he served for nine years as principal of Hamden High School.

Highsmith came to Hamden after 16 years in the New Haven Public Schools district, the first five years in the Social Development Department, followed by five years as a social studies teacher, then two as assistant principal at East Rock Magnet School, and the final four as principal at L. W. Beecher Elementary School.

Highsmith will succeed Jody Ian Goeler, Hamden’s superintendent for eight years, who retired in January and has stayed on in an “interim” capacity.

Highsmith was selected after the board received the perspectives of nearly 300 Hamden students, staff, and community members through interviews, focus groups, and a survey, according to a news release.

The Leadership Profile that “resulted from a synthesis of these perspectives guided the Board in its interview process, from the development of questions to consideration and analysis of appropriate fit,” the news release states.

“We are inspired by the fresh ideas that Gary will bring to Hamden’s major challenges,” Board Chair Melissa Kaplan said. “He has thought long and hard about our issues and listened closely to the concerns of various Hamden stakeholders. In all of his responses to our questions, from teaching and learning to equity to academic rigor to finances, Gary showed his wisdom, compassion, insight, and vision. The Board is thrilled to have found a transformational leader who also understands Hamden’s needs.”

Kaplan noted that in this decision, the board felt Highsmith was an “exceptional choice for Hamden because he embodies the hopes and aspirations shared by the school community.”

Highsmith plans to be a highly visible leader and a regular presence in Hamden’s schools and community, setting up “satellite offices” where he will come into regular contact with students and staff.

He wants “to be close to the teaching and learning so decisions are rooted in an appreciation for that most important core of our school system.”

He wrote, “I am confident that my... dedication to the district, desire to learn, work ethic, professional experiences, and love for children all combine to make me a strong candidate to continue to lead the equity-centered and child-centered work that we have already begun.”

Highsmith received his Bachelor and Master of Arts in American History and a Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Leadership, all from Southern Connecticut State University.

The Hamden Board was supported in the search by consultants from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Search Services.