'We Wanted to Say Hello and Lend Our Support'

Superintendent of Schools James Agostine talked to parents and town officials during a small reception in the media center on Thursday night. The crowd mingled over a spread of cookies, pastries and fruit.

Agostine came to Monroe from Region 16, which includes schools in Prospect and Beacon Falls.

Parents Council co-presidents Elizabeth Grose and Jen Hirsch got a chance to speak to Monroe Public Schools' new leader.

"We wanted to say hello and lend our support," said Grose.

"I know he's still learning the ropes," Hirsch added.

Grose has a daughter in eighth grade and a son in fifth, and Hirsch has three daughters in eighth, sixth and third grades respectively.

"He seems to communicate well," Grose said of Agostine.

"I'm an optimist," Hirsch said.

Patricia Firla, a substitute teacher for Monroe's three elementary schools, has a daughter in the eighth grade at Jockey Hollow Middle School.

"I'm very pleased and am looking forward to working with him," Firla said. "Our superintendent said he is looking forward to improving the education and to working with both parents and teachers to encourage the children to continue in their learning."

Agostine replaces Colleen Palmer, who left the district to take the helm of Weston Public Schools. Palmer had replaced Alan Beitman, who was also around for a short period of time.

Glenda Strickland, the mother of two middle schoolers, is looking for stability in the district.

After meeting Agostine, Strickland said, "He seems very knowlegable and educated and I look forward to him staying — hopefully for years to come. I'd like to have a superintendent who sticks around and is committed to the educational process in the town of Monroe."