Board of Education Vice Chair Laura Roche said, during the board’s Tuesday, October 1, meeting, the district’s search for a permanent superintendent of school is going well.

She said consultants from CABE (Connecticut Association of Boards of Education) have been busy over the past month to put together focus groups with community stakeholders. Ms Roche said they have met with board members, the first selectman, senior citizens, clergy members, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) members, central office staff, building administrators, and more than 100 staff from different schools.

“So they are off to a very good start,” said Ms Roche.

While a parent/guardian focus group, held Monday, September 30, had five parents attend, Ms Roche said she had higher hopes for a parent/guardian focus group meeting set for Thursday, October 3, at 7 pm in the Newtown High School Lecture Hall (after this issue of The Bee went to press).

“We’re really asking for parents to come out and help us with this focus group,” said Ms Roche. “It’s a really good way to share your views, your ideas, and what you want to see in a superintendent for our district.”

Ms Roche also said a community focus group is scheduled for Monday, October 7, at 6:30 pm, also in Newtown High School’s Lecture Hall.

An online anonymous Superintendent Search Survey is also available on the district website, here.

“It is still open, so if you are not able to attend any of the focus groups in town, please take the time to take the survey,” Ms Roche said.

Ms Roche also said roughly 150 people have taken the survey already, and it is open through October 14.