Reed Returning to Helm as Newtown Interim Superintendent

Dr. John Reed -- who led Newtown schools for 20 years -- is returning to his post temporarily to serve as interim superintendent, Board of Education officials announced Tuesday.

The board unanimously voted to install Reed to lead the district as current Superintendent Janet Robinson prepares to leave to lead Stratford schools.

"Like the other members of our community, I felt a need to be of help to others in the face of the tragic and traumatic events ," Reed wrote in a statement read by board member Laura Roche at the meeting.

"Given the tragic events of Dec. 14, the Board of Education thought it was highly desirable during this important time of transition that Newtown have an interim superintendent of schools who has a significant knowledge and understanding of our town and the Newtown school system," said Roche. "Such a background will help us successfully meet the challenges which confront our school system while we search for the new superintendent of schools."

Reed has been active at Sandy Hook School since Dec. 14, frequently volunteering his time at the school's current site at Chalk Hill School in Monroe. Roche said he has an intimate knowledge of the school and a "great relationship" with teachers there, and is well-equipped to step in to lead the district immediately.

"The move to being our interim superintendent will be seamless," she said.

Reed came to Newtown after leading a school in New Jersey, and also served as interim superintendent in Weston and Oxford after leaving Newtown. His 20 years in Newtown -- from 1982 to 2002 -- made him the longest tenured superintendent in the state of Connecticut. Reed Intermediate School is named after him.

Although Reed will start immediately, board members said. He will be involved in future decision-making capacities, including the ongoing search to fill openings for principal positions.

"I have now been given by the Board of Education the opportunity to be of direct assistance to the students, staff and parents who comprise the school system that I love," Reed said in the statement. "In turn, I ask for the prayers and support of my fellow Newtowners to help our school system successfully meet our present needs while optimistically preparing for the future. I will depend on Dr. Robinson for her valuable assistance so that when the time comes to assume my temporary responsibilities I will be well prepared."

Robinson announced her departure in February. In the weeks since, the Board of Education has consulted experts on how to handle the transition. A permanent replacement is not expected for at least six months.