Southington Schools: 3 New Leaders Hired

SOUTHINGTON, CT — When classes closed for the summer last June, the Southington School System had some openings to fill and administrators got busy.

At the Southington Board of Education's last meeting, board members welcomed three new school administrators hired over the summer, a product of an intense search and interview process.

Southington Superintendent of Schools Steven Madancy said filling those opening was a major priority and the goal was to have them in their new roles prior to the start of the school year, which was last week.

"We did undergo the interview and hiring process earlier in the summer so that we could make sure that we had people on board and ready to start on time for the start of the school year," Madancy said.

As a result, the school system hired Rita Stearns to be principal of South End Elementary School; Simone Crouch as assistant principal of Southington High School; and Alicia Naleway to be the district's new K-8 math/K-5 science coordinator.

At the school board's Aug. 17 meeting, the trio was formally welcomed to the district, with each of them offering up kind words regarding their new roles.

For Stearns, it was a full-circle moment, she said, as she started her educational journey as a fifth-grade teacher at South End.

"I am back where I started. My first full-time job was at South End School teaching fifth-grade and I've looped back and I'm back in the neighborhood when I started," Stearns said. "There's so many people that I want to thank.

"I feel the support from everywhere. I feel so excited," she continued. "I'm ready and so thankful for this opportunity."

For Crouch, it was a reunion with Madancy as both were elementary school teachers at the same school several years ago.

She said she's ready for work at SHS and grateful for the support from the school system.

"I've loved every single challenge that has come across my plate," a smiling Crouch told the school board. "I've had tremendous support.There's no words to describe just how appreciate I am of the support that I have gotten since I've been here."

Naleway has spent most of her education career working in the Cheshire school system nearby, but she said she's always admired the Southington community.

"I am so excited to be here in Southington," Naleway said, adding that education is one of her passions. "
"I'm passionate about education, passionate about curriculum and helping all students to achieve at their highest potential," Naleway said.
"Everyone has been so welcoming to me and I'm so appreciate of all the support that I've received."

For the minutes of the Aug. 17 Southington Board of Education meeting, click on this link.