Vernon's Macary Named Connecticut Superintendent Of the Year By Peers

VERNON, CT — Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary has been named 2024 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.

Macary has been at the helm of Vernon school system since October 2015. He called the award a "humbling" experience.

"I really am humbled," Macary told Patch Tuesday morning. "There is no greater honor than to be recognized by my peers."

Macary said that, during his tenure, he has tried to focus on "working closely with parents, teachers, staff, the Vernon Board of Education and town leaders to improve Vernon Public Schools and steadily increase student performance in measurable ways."

He called it "a team effort."

It's been a good past few months for the local school system:

• Local schools exceeded the state average in 18 of 23 metrics in the state's Next Generation Accountability Results
• Vernon was also No. 1 among Alliance Districts and in its District Reference Group
• Two elementary schools, Maple Street and Northeast, recently achieved School of Distinction status
• Skinner Road School, was named a National Blue Ribbon School for its performance, one of just four Connecticut schools to achieve the status this year. Northeast was named a Blue Ribbon School
• Macary tried to squeeze "every dollar" out of the federal school lunch program to extend systemwide free meals as long as possible

Macary said the honor means even more coming off restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

"A colleague of mine made reference to the pandemic being a divorce from society and that's accurate," Macary said. "We in Vernon were able to achieve success despite that and now we're excelling. Vernon is a special place with special people and I'm very glad to be here."

Vernon mayor Dan Champagne said he's glad Macary is in town.

"The state now knows what we in Vernon have known for several years," Champagne said."Dr. Macary is committed to creating an environment where Vernon children excel in school so that they are prepared to lead rewarding and successful lives. He works hard. He sets high standards. He solves problems.And, like a true leader, he does not ask anyone to work harder than he does to help our children succeed."

In selecting Macary as superintendent of the year, CAPSS cited "remarkable achievements, dedication and exemplary service to the field of education."

Criteria for recognition as CAPSS Superintendent of the Year include creativity in successfully meeting students' needs, strong communications within the district and to the community, continual improvement of personal knowledge and skills while also providing professional development opportunities for others, and active participation in community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.

Macary's parents came to the U.S. from Lebanon so that their children would have access to quality education. He attended UConn for his undergraduate and doctorate degrees and Quinnipiac University for his master's degree.

He began his educational career as a teacher in the Waterbury public school system and was superintendent in Wolcott before coming to Vernon.

"During my time on the Board of Education, I saw Dr. Macary lay the ground work for the success our students are experiencing now," former Board of Education Chairwoman Anne Fischer said. "Joe's commitment to excellence and to Vernon children is inspiring."

Added current Board of Education Chairperson Paul Grabowski, "Dr. Macary’s receipt of this award reinforces how fortunate Vernon is to have him. The award reflects his accomplishments and dedication to providing students with a high quality education both in Vernon and across Connecticut. It’s also reflective of the high standards he holds himself to, as well as students and teachers, to achieve academic success."

CAPSS ExecutiveDirector Fran Rabinowitz said, CAPSS is "incredibly proud" of Macary’s selection as Superintendent of the Year.

"Joe is well known throughout the state for the outstanding academic growth and achievement he has attained in Vernon" Rabinowitz said. "He is a tireless advocate for students and staff in Alliance Districts and is very instrumental in preparing new educational leaders for our schools and districts."

Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro, who previously worked for Macary as the director of business and finance for the local school system said Macary has a "laser-like focus" on continual improvement.

"At the heart of every successful community is a well-managed and effective school system, where students are prepared academically and socially to analyze problems, engineer solutions, build practical skills, and to approach life's challenges with confidence," Purcaro said. "Strong public schools are the foundation upon which strong communities are built. I am proud of Joe's accomplishments and grateful for his leadership and commitment to the Vernon community."