State Board Of Education Honors Newtown

District’s Business Director

HARTFORD — The Connecticut State Board of Education held a special meeting on Monday, December 18, at the State Capitol in Hartford. The meeting was held to recognize teachers’ and administrators’ achievements this past year. Legislators representing their constituencies were also on hand. 

Among the 2006 Award Recipients was Ron Bienkowski, Newtown School District’s business director.

Mr Bienkowski was selected as the Connecticut School Business Official of the Year because he consistently demonstrated his commitment to his profession. He has more than 30 years of experience as a school business official.

“It’s a wonderful honor by this state organization,” said Dr Evan Pitkoff, superintendent of schools. “It reflects well on Newtown.”

Mr Bienkowski holds an undergraduate degree in business administration from Northeastern University and a graduate degree in business administration from the University of New Haven.

Elaine McClure, chair of the Board of Education, remarked on Mr Bienkowski’s business acumen, “We are very proud of him. He has done so many things in Newtown to make us more efficient and save us money. There is a published list of efficiencies [that lists his many contributions].”

These efficiencies range from renegotiating the contract for copiers districtwide providing new technology, more units, and color capability for less than prior contracts to instituting an energy conservation project resulting in more than $100,000 annual savings on electricity to efficient management of building projects with in excess of a half-million dollars being returned to the town.

“I offer him my congratulations,” First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said upon hearing the news of Mr Bienkowski’s award. “He is a very capable business manager. I’ve always known that. I served on the committee when Dr Reed was here. I always heard good things about his abilities when he was at Region 15 and Ridgefield.”

Ben Spragg, Financial Director for Newtown, shared his thoughts on his colleagues award. “It is certainly well deserved. I’ve worked with some fine business officials over the years. If I was judging, Ron would be my choice of Business Official of the Year. I’m surprised he hasn’t been chosen before.”

Mr Bienkowski has worked continuously to elevate his profession and support his colleagues through his leadership in the Connecticut Association of School Business Officials, occupying all offices, including president, throughout his career. He has also provided continuous, outstanding service to the Connecticut State Department of Education.