Search On for Next Newtown High Principal

The district is taking the first steps toward hiring a new principal for Newtown High School.

In an open letter to the community, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Reed says that the district will be getting assistance from The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Search Services and Dr. Jacqueline Jacoby, Senior Search Consultant for CABE.

"The first step in the process is to schedule focus groups to seek input about strengths and challenges at Newtown High School as well as key characteristics and leadership qualities desired in the next high school principal," Reed writes.

He goes on to note that focus groups are being scheduled in March with Newtown High School faculty, staff, students, parents and the Newtown Board of Education. 

"Those who do not attend a focus group and community members are welcome to provide their input through an on-line survey available during the month of March," Reed states. 

You can access the survey by clicking here, or by visiting the Newtown High School website or Newtown District website.

According to Reed, recruitment has already begun and applications are being received.

"It is anticipated that interviews will be held in the spring and a finalist selected in time for a smooth transition," Reed's letter states. "We are fortunate and pleased that the highly regarded retired Principal of Ridgefield High School, Mr. Jeffrey Jaslow, is providing leadership at Newtown High School during this transition period."

Jaslow stepped in to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Charles Dumais, who moved on to become the superintendent of Region 5 school district for the towns of Orange, Woodbridge and Bethany.