Matthew Curtis Named New Simsbury Superintendent

The Simsbury Public School district has a new leader as the board of education selected a new superintendent during a special meeting on Monday.

After a thorough process conducted by the Superintendent Search Committee, the board voted unanimously Monday to select Matthew Curtis to fill the role vacated by former Superintendent of Schools Diane Ullman.

Curtis, who is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Glastonbury, was one of three final candidates selected from an initial pool of eight chosen for the interview process.

“I cannot imagine there is a more capable individual who you will interview for the position,” Glastonbury Superintendent of Schools Alan Bookman said.

Curtis is a familiar face in the Simsbury school district having served as Principal of Squadron Line Elementary School in 2006 and as Director of Human Resources in 2009, according to a statement issued by district officials.

Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Search Services Senior Consultant Randall Collins, who played an active role in the recruitment of candidates, said Curtis' background working in Simsbury and experience in Glastonbury helped push him to the top of the list.

"I think Simsbury is fortunate to get him back into the system," Collins said. "I think he is a very good match."

District officials said Curtis has demonstrated his knowledge of the school improvement process and has a strong committment to the educational community and students.

"He has earned the trust and confidence of the community through his accessibility, visibility, and superb public speaking and writing skills," the district statement said.

Curtis will take over the lead of Simsbury schools from former Superintendent of Schools Diane Ullman who announced her retirement in February after eight years in the position.

“I am confident that Mr. Curtis will exhibit the same leadership talent that I have seen in him previously and that he will move the district learning agenda forward,” Ullman said.

Curtis will begin his new role as superintendent on August 1. The district is planning to host a reception when the community will welcome him to the district in the near future.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Curtis would begin the position as superintendent immediately. Curtis will begin on August 1. We regret the error.