Schools
Interim Ridgefield Superintendent Bring Breadth Of Experience
The Ridgefield interim superintendent most recently served in another interim role.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Longtime educator Dr. JeanAnn Paddyfote will serve as interim superintendent of Ridgefield Public Schools as the school system looks for a permanent replacement. Paddyfote most recently comes from the Avon school district as its interim superintendent.
She served in the Avon role for seven months and before that was superintendent in New Milford for more than 13 years.
Paddyfote will take over for Dr. Robert Miller who took over the helm in March after the resignation of Karen Baldwin.
“Dr. Paddyfote stood out to us during the interview process as an experienced, capable, collaborative and approachable leader committed to academic excellence and furthering the mission and vision of our district” said Board of Education Chair Frances Walton.
Paddyfote will assume the role July 1.
References described her as a clear communicator who was both resourceful and at ease with students, parents and faculty.
More from the Board of Education:
From her leadership role in New Milford, Dr. Paddyfote brings a depth and breadth of
highly relevant experience. Some notable accomplishments during her tenure there
include: addressing declining enrollment through a broad-based committee of
stakeholders, development of programs and services for children with special education
needs, successfully reconfiguring PK-8 schools, developed Project Lead the Way STEM
programs at the middle and high school, and increased AP course offerings at the high
school.
The BOE would like to thank Dr. Robert Miller for his time and effort as the Acting
Superintendent these past few months. He managed the day-to-day operational and
leadership responsibilities of the superintendent while successfully navigating the
proposed 2018-19 school budget through referendum approval, and overseeing the
hiring of the new RPS Business Manager among other initiatives.
The BOE is currently reviewing proposals submitted by executive search firms to
conduct the search for the permanent superintendent. Initial planning will occur over the
summer. Community outreach and focus groups will be planned for early September to
invite community input in the new superintendent selection. The BOE intends to have a
permanent superintendent for Ridgefield Public Schools during the first half of 2019.
Image via Shutterstock
