Educating for ALL is worth good trouble#CallItOut pic.twitter.com/DIJIlmHHVr, Dr. Michael T. Conner (@DocConner13) February 25, 2022, Since the investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed, CT Post said it is withholding the identity of the person whose name and signature appeared on the cover letter to the packet mailed to Conner., The screenshots of the letter posted to Twitter contained highlighted passages, including lyrics from Simon & Garfunkels The Sound of Silence., The letter presented in the screen shot also said the writer was including a grouping of inspirational quotes by the Rev. The district is in a great situation now and the board of education will make the best decision for the district and this district will continue to thrive., When asked what some things are he will miss most, Styles said one of his favorite joys was going into the cafeteria on lunch days when kids are having breakfast for lunch and helping kindergarteners open up their syrup packets., And Im going to miss graduation ceremonies where you are looking out into the crowd and seeing how kids (graduating seniors) have decorated their caps., Im going to miss the people of Middletown. District officials noted after the boards unanimous vote that while serving as assistant superintendent, Houser has been a chief architect of Middletowns Passport to Tomorrow.. Superintendent Creeden recently shared a reminder with the Middletown schools community regarding the district's dress code for scholars: Read Superintendent Creeden's reminder about the 2022-23 dress code, Lea el recordatorio del superintendente Creeden sobre el cdigo de vestimenta 2022-23. "The accusations being made against him if he was not a Black man, they would not be making them," Roane said. 401.849.2122 x2126f. Capital Preparatory Schools, Inc, which operates three other charter schools in Waterbury, Harlem and the Bronx, filed an application for a charter school in Middletown in December. Cannata said being selected is enormously honoring and humbling.. Others rallied in support of Conner, stating the employees complaints of alleged harassment, intimidation, and retaliation were racially motivated. Central Office . People thatwouldnt speak up because theyre afraid to. Styles said his last day on the job with Middletown Schools will be Feb. 28. One of southwest Ohio's most high-profile school superintendents made a surprise announcement Monday evening, revealing his upcoming resignation. In February 2022, Styles was named one of three job finalists to fill the superintendents position for Cincinnati Public Schools, which is Ohios third largest district. Photo Middletown High School by Middletown Schools. They are my giants the shoulders I am standing on. Others, including William McKissick, the pastor at New Jerusalem Christian Center Church and Moses Harvill, pastor at Cross Stree AME Zion Church, said they were concerned with making sure the process and any investigation is done fairly. The superintendent of Middletown Public Schools in Connecticut, who has been on paid leave due to an investigation into allegations of misconduct by top district officials, has resigned suddenly, claiming he received threats and a racist letter. I am honored to be serving as the Middletown Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. She came to Middletown in 1999 and was appointed as Principal of Aquidneck School. READ MOREForest Hills School District to put levy on May ballotLetter from Lakota superintendent: Resignation due to 'hostile work environment' caused by board memberDeer Park coach indicted on sexual battery, accused of 'inappropriate relationship' with student, Photo provided by Middletown City Schools. A talented support staff is equally devoted to the social and academic success of our students. As part of his benefits, Vzquez Matos will receive an annuity worth 10 percent of his salary, according to his contract dated June 14, which runs from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025. In a released statement, Urso did not address whether the board will promote current Middletown Schools Assistant Superintendent Deborah Houser into an interim or permanent superintendent position or open the job to outside candidates. Saucon Valley School District Superintendent rescinds approval for After School Satan Club, 2 days after threat closed schools 1:05 Police: Woman shot in Easton, person in custody; incident led to . Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. En cliquant sur Accepter tout, vous acceptez que Yahoo et nos partenaires traitent vos informations personnelles et utilisent des technologies telles que les cookies pour afficher des publicits et des contenus personnaliss, et des fins de mesure des publicits et des contenus, dtude des audiences et de dveloppement de produit. Our mission and goals are evident by our policies and decision making of a five member School Board. "There's more people involved than just the superintendent," he said. We are here for the primary purpose of educating our young people. Middletown's board of education chairwoman said Tuesday that the board will hire an investigator to probe complaints from current and former school district employees of harassment, bullying and . MIDDLETOWN Middletown School District Superintendent Thad Owens gave a "State of the Schools" address on Wednesday at the Middletown Luncheon Club held at the Senior Center. His high energy style was immediately apparent as he coined a new motto for struggling district of Middie Rising while tackling long-standing problems in the school system. Middletown Links . Middletown Public Schools (MPS) educates nearly 4,800 students from preschool to high school and offers a robust adult education program. He was ousted after a Connecticut judge ruled . Cassandra Day is an assistant managing editor with the Middletown Press. The board of education is deeply appreciative of the transformational work Marlon guided during his tenure as Middletown Schools superintendent. Board of Education Contracts. Houser is a 15 year-veteran of Middletown Schools and will be the first woman in the 170-year history of the citys public schools to occupy the superintendents job. All rights reserved. City of Middletown. "In the nearly eight months that Dr. Vazquez Matos has been the Acting Superintendent, he has proven himself to be a leader that is able to bring about necessary organizational changes, all the while building relationships, restoring trust, and renewing the districts commitment and focus on student learning,growth, and well-being," a school district spokesperson said. The recent threats to my family and myself has [sic] caused me to reevaluate personal priorities. The contract also acknowledges that Vzquez Matos will be engaged in local, state, regional and national educational and professional activities, and will report to the board periodically in these instances. Former Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Paul Vallas is headed for a runoff election for mayor of Chicago. Conner, who stepped down from his position in early March amid an investigation into alleged workplace harassment claims by a number of union employees, was hired in September 2017. They warrant a full, fair, and independent investigation as to their veracity," the statement reads. What a great woman not just in the community. Deborah Houser was chosen Monday evening by the Middletown Board of Education as the new leader of the city school district. Military families are an integral part of our school community. The Board wishes Dr. Conner well in his future endeavors. Superintendent Welcome Superintendent Marc Gee Marc Gee started as Superintendent in Middleton on July 1, 2021. The former math teacher, who started in 2002, and later a Mt. The accusations being made against him, if he was not a black man, they wouldnot be making them, agreed David Roane. The Board of Education approved Dr. Alberto Vazquez Matos to the. We have been mindful that Marlons talent has been noticed by many outside Middletown and the board of education has prepared for this day. sources with knowledge of the situation said McGee was escorted out of the administrative offices at Maple Point Middle School in Middletown Township. Read More Middletown City School District hires new Communications Administrator Three finalists were announced at the end of January: Tianay Amat, CPS deputy superintendent and current interim superintendent for the district. Public comment during virtual meetings; December 14, 2021 referendum; Board Docs (Public Access) . "Numerous past and present members have come to us with serious concerns about repeated harassment, intimidation and retaliation by members of Central Office Senior Management. She has a job lined up leading a new project at CCSU starting . We know that Dr. Vzquez Matos will bring about necessary healing and growth to our district," Board Chair Deborah Cain said in a statement. Being raised by four black women built an amazing foundation for who I am today. MIDDLETOWN, CT Jennifer Cannata was named assistant superintendent of Middletown Public Schools at a special Board of Education on Tuesday night. Gregg went on to say that union representatives received statements from 15 former employees prior to the meeting last Thursday. Vzquez Matos was deputy superintendent of Hartford Public Schools from 2018-20. Faith Jackson, director of the city agency, recommended the board of education place those individuals instrumental in the creation of a hostile work environment on paid administrative leave until an independent investigation could be conducted. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Others, including former school employee Jim D'Antonio, said these issues have nothing to do with race and everything to do with how people have been treated. 1023. Instruction is most powerful when educators have strong content knowledge and access to high-quality curriculum materials and professional learning. 311 Hunting Hill Ave Middletown, CT 06457 860-638-1401 860-638-1495 hello@mpsct.org. Email tips to [emailprotected] I love this community and the blue and white spirit you instantly feel as you walk through our schools. Explore . Gee began work in the education field as a teacher in the Sugar-Salem School District. She has a track record of building relationships with staff and community leaders, and building curriculum, said Urso. Cassandra Day is an assistant managing editor with the Middletown Press. And Rick Pearce, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton, said Deb is a great choice and has all the support of The Chamber of Commerce.. With the new developments of district leaders from a neighboring town involved in the plot, coordination with city officials/white supremacy, and racism at its core, I want to do real work. Middletown Superintendent of Schools Alberto Vzquez Matos praised new Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Cannata on her promotion during Tuesdays Board of Education meeting on Zoom. Copyright 2023 Middletown Public Schools. rinellap@middletownk12.org. MIDDLETOWN Amid what local officials have described as a volatile time for the citys public schools, they believe Albert Vzquez Matos will bring stability to a district embroiled in recent controversy. The Superintendent and School Business Administrator or designee reserve the right to deny any permit application if deemed in the best interest of the district. SUPERINTENDENT, ROSEMARIE K. KRAEGER Welcome to Middletown Public Schools! Prior to her selection, Cannata was head of Performance Management and Strategic Processes for Middletown Public Schools. Author: Carey, Joyce Created Date: A spokesperson for Conner said the superintendent made the request for family medical leave (FMLA) at the advice of his doctors and "will return upon clearance from his doctors.". Ms. This hate crime packet was sent to my home with his signature yesterday the date is suppose to be my birthday (1/29). Anyone who has worked with Ms. Cannata knows well that she has an exceptional ability to navigate challenging situations with remarkable grace, humor and humility, all the while holding firm to what is right and what needs to be done, he said. Minnesota Republicans Continue Calls for Tax Cuts amid Budget Surplus, Croms Crommentary: Biden Is Such a Grifter That He Just Simply Doesnt Understand What Hes Doing. Vzquez Matos, who was hired in July 2021 as the districts chief academic officer, stepped into the top role last October when former schools chief Michael Conner went on family leave and then administrative leave. Position Type: Administrator - Campus/Assistant PrincipalDate Posted: 3/11/2022Location: Jackie Carden Elementary SchoolDate Available: July 2022Overview: Assist the school principal in overall administration of instructional program and campus level operations. How will we know if and when they have learned it? Comments (-1) The 2023-2024 Pre-K school calendar was adopted at the January 24 Board meeting. No one person has the ability to do it all on their own, explained Cannata, who considers herself a servant leader., My philosophy and daily objective centers upon being involved in doing whatever it takes to help staff, students and families, she said. Please follow the link to view the District Administration for the 2022-2023 school year. This is not about any race or anything like that, this is about, if this is happening what can we do about it?. MIDDLETOWN, CT (WFSB) - What was interpreted as a threatening and hateful letter was mailed to the home of Middletown Public Schools' superintendent. . Jackson also suggested the option of placing the superintendent alone on paid leave until the investigation was completed. Houser, who began her career as a kindergarten teacher and worked her way up through school principal, university professor and district administrator of various titles, including human resources director, praised Styles for the sweeping reforms installed in his leadership since 2017. In my role, I work to ensure that we are providing equitable access to our curciculum, high quality teaching, learning experiences and instructional supports. Middletown Public Schools . Above all else, its our communitys remarkable generosity that renews my commitment to the district time and time again, she said Wednesday. They are my giants the shoulders I am standing on. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Thomas Pepe, 48, who is listed as a science teacher at Beman Middle School on the Middletown Public Schools' website, was arrested Jan. 30 at his home after Portland police were notified about the . Translate . He's the first bilingual and biliterate Latino superintendent for the district. Martin Luther King Jr.. 401.849.2122 x2126f. All rights reserved. Middletown staff and students impress me each day. ', Middletown polling place without signs for 4+ hours during special election for 100th District, Elisabeth Petry of Middletown, former CT reporter, daughter of best-selling Black author, dies at 74, Shoreline Conference semifinal between Cromwell, Morgan should be a classic, CT man killed by police at Springfield MGM casino, years after son was shot by cops in New Britain, wife says, The Best Private High Schools Near Hartford, Guide to Legal Cannabis Dispensaries in CT, The Best Window Replacement Companies in CT, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. harassment lawsuit was filed this month against Conner and the district. Styles has led MCSD since July 2017, when he became the first Black educator to do so full-time. Lets us continue to discuss in classrooms as well the shoulders of women who demonstrated progress, voice, and strength.#ChangeTheWorld pic.twitter.com/cxBVlJnsHS, Being raised by four black women built an amazing foundation for who I am today, Conner wrote. Enlarged City School District of Middletown. Employment Contract for Superintendent of Schools; Employment Contract for the Director of Facilities; . Our District Administration Administration Home Central Office Administration Listed below is the contact email for central office administration staff. Schools . Owens. With the new developments of district leaders from a neighboring town involved in the plot, coordination with city officials/white supremacy, and racism at its core, I want to do real work. She gets down and dirty; she communicates very well with all folks. Our members no longer feel safe expressing these concerns through the channels provided through the Board of Education and City of Middletown," UPSEU Local 6457 President Ann Gregg said during the meeting. After the boards unanimous agreement to appoint Houser, School Board President Chris Urso described Houser as a leader who can join together various school contingencies for a common cause. Styles championed both locally and nationally the need, especially after the March 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its school closing and disruptions, for closing the digital divide in Middletown for students whose low incomes did not allow them to work via the internet from home. All rights reserved, Exoneration of Witchcraft Crimes Being Considered, Avelo Says Airline Will Work to Improve Communication After NBC CT Responds Report, misconduct "more likely than not" occurred, Middletown Board of Ed Investigation Uncovers Misconduct Among Administrators, Hunter Accused of Killing 2 Pet Dogs in Ridgefield Appears in Court, CCSU Student Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Campus Dorm, I-95 South in Madison Reopens After Crash With Serious Injuries, Better Health: Dr. Katherine Rotker Discusses Vasectomy Procedure, NBC & Telemundo Connecticut Job Opportunities. Conner tweeted photos of the letter, which was apparently dated January 28, on February 25. Middletown Public Schools 1 year 7 months Superintendent Jun 2022 - Present8 months United States Acting Superintendent Oct 2021 - Jun 20229 months Middletown, Connecticut, United.