Simsbury Superintendent Honored for Arts Advocacy

On May 11, 2017, at a breakfast held at the state Capitol in Hartford, Superintendent of Simsbury Public Schools Matt Curtis was announced as Simsbury’s Connecticut Arts Administrators Association (CAAA) Advocate for 2017.

In a speech announcing the award, Supervisor of Art K-12 Shannon Gagne remarked on the superintendent’s appreciation for creative thought. Music & Performing Arts Department Supervisor Angela Griffin noted his hard work in supporting quality art programs despite difficult financial times for public schools.

Said Griffin, “Mr. Curtis has supported and sustained Arts programming and Arts initiatives in challenging times, and he continues to celebrate and recognize student Arts achievement in our district. Mr. Curtis regularly attends Arts events in our district, such as the high school musical and the high school Art Show, and he speaks supportively as an advocate for the importance of the Arts in the lives of our students.”

Gagne observed that many students “have found a home within our classrooms,” a place where they can take something they love to do and turn it into a rewarding career. Said Gagne, “Mr. Curtis knows the importance of providing creative opportunities for students to pursue their passion and become active professionals in the visual arts.”

(Photo, Left to right) Department Supervisor of Music & Performing Arts Angela Griffin, Art Department Supervisor K-12 Shannon Gagne, Superintendent Matt Curtis, and President of CT Arts Administrators Association Rick Saddlon.