West Hartford Names Old Friend As Its New School Chief

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A long search for West Hartford's newest school chief ended this week with the appointment of West Hartford Assistant Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus as the top school leader.

On Tuesday evening, the West Hartford Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Vicinus, currently assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, as its next acting superintendent, effective May 1.

Then, Vicinus will be officially appointed superintendent with the start of the new fiscal year, July 1.

West Hartford officials said his salary will be announced when his contract is finalized, which will be before May 1. The salary range for the position is $200,000 to $250,000.

According to an announcement Wednesday, Vicinus has been a member of West Hartford Public Schools for over 30 years.

"His commitment began as a classroom teacher in 1993, then advanced to positions including department supervisor, assistant principal, director of teaching and assessment, director of secondary education, and for the past seven years has been the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction," wrote West Hartford schools in the announcement.

He will replace West Hartford Interim Superintendent of Schools Andrew Morrow, who took over the school system following the June 2022 departure of Tom Moore, who left for a school chief job in the Chicago area.

Morrow's interim contract runs out at the end of the school year.

West Hartford Board of Education Chairperson Lorna Thomas-Farquharson praised the new school leader.

“Mr. Vicinus embodies the values and principles for which WHPS stands and those we continue to work towards achieving," she said.

"He listens to learn, empowers others to reach their fullest potential, willingly accepts constructive feedback and recognizes the benefits of having diverse perspectives at the decision making table. He embodies these valuable characteristics all while never losing sight of the overall goal.”

Vicinus said he was both "excited" and "humbled" at the thought of leading West Hartford schools.

“I have had the privilege of partnering and working alongside innumerable families and staff over the last three decades. I am both excited and humbled to be taking on this newest challenge of leading the district along its path of continuous improvement toward excellence without exception,” he said.

According to Vicinus, West Hartford Public Schools (WHPS) is recognized across the state and known nationally for its outstanding academic programming and achievements.

“Our teachers and professional staff are to be credited for the immeasurable depth of dedication and the generosity of spirit and caring with which they tend to their craft," Vicinus said. "I hope to represent them with integrity, to lead them with passion and vision, and motivate them to achieve even greater levels of performance and professional satisfaction.”

Vicinus said he seeks continuous improvement and emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration with the community.

“I genuinely believe in our system of continuous improvement. And so, while I have deep understanding and appreciation of the systems, culture and climate of our schools, I recognize the importance of connecting with all stakeholders in our schools, our town and among the community to gain the full range of insights and input necessary to support my leadership as your Superintendent.”