As Search For His Replacement Intensifies, Vernon Superintendent Gets Another State Accolade

VERNON, CT — As the search of his replacement heats up, Vernon's superintendent of schools has received another state-level accolade.

Joseph Macary, already recognized as a past superintendent of the year and a master at handling Vernon's Alliance District designation, has been chosen by Gov. Ned Lamont for the newly formed Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education Funding and Accountability.

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The commission brings together leaders from towns, school districts, schools and the state, and from the ranks of teachers, paraprofessionals, parents and school finance professionals to examine the way Connecticut funds schools.

"Connecticut makes significant investments in education, and our school system is one of the best in the country," Lamont said. "But we can do better to support successful outcomes and ensure access for each student at every school."

The state funding mechanism for Connecticut public schools is out of date and needs to be revised and updated to reflect today’s needs, Lamont said.

"It is time that we took a bottom-up look at how we fund our schools with a focus on ensuring funding is fair and driving the best results for our students," he said.

Macary was selected for the commission because of his leadership of the Vernon Public Schools over the
past 11 years and his record of ensuring students succeed.

"I am honored that you have agreed to serve on this commission," Lamont wrote in a letter to Macary. "Your perspective will be essential as we work to identify funding methodologies that work for towns and school districts, with accountability mechanisms that make sure our students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve."

Macary said he is ‘honored and privileged” to represent Vernon in the search for a new way to fund education across Connecticut.

"This Commission is about investing in our children’s education to ensure that all students have equitable learning opportunities regardless of where they live," Macary said.
Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said Macary has a strong record in Vernon and will do great work on the funding commission and when he becomes superintendent in Middletown in July.

"I have worked well with Dr. Macary over the years and I’m going to miss him," Champagne said.

In April, Macary announced he was taking the vacant Middletown superintendent's position after an 11-year tenure in Vernon.

After Macary's letter of resignation, the Vernon Board of Education outlined a timeline for its search for a replacement. Focus groups took place in May.

The district is working with the New England School Development Council, or NESDEC, to assist with the search. According to the update, the lead NESDEC consultant is Vonda Tencza, identified by the district as a former superintendent of schools in Woodbridge and past interim superintendent in Brookfield this school year.

The job was posted during the week of May 4, and the closing date for applications was May 29.

An electronic survey has been be open to everyone, according to the district. Superintendent search committee information is scheduled to be posted starting May 5 on the Vernon Public Schools website.

The board is to continue its work in June with two preparation workshops and two rounds of interviews i. The district said the board’s goal is to name a candidate on July 6, which the update identifies as the last day of employment for Macary.