The Board of Education listened to the remaining Strategic Plans from schools in the district during its Tuesday, October 29, meeting.

Newtown Middle School Principal Jim Ross and Newtown High School Principal Kimberly Longobucco each presented their school’s Strategic Plans to the BOE. As stated by Superintendent of Schools Anne Uberti, these are one of many presentations in a series designed to highlight the work being done throughout the schools in support of the district’s Strategic Plan.

The goal of these presentations is to ultimately give everyone, from BOE members to the community at large, a greater understanding of the work going on in the district. These plans will also help shape the upcoming budget process in January.

Both of the Strategic Plans for NMS and NHS outlined Ross’s and Longobucco’s desired outcomes for their respective schools. Each of these desired outcomes aligned with several district-wide strategic priorities, and include ensuring stimulating, engaging, and challenging learning opportunities, developing a diverse and exceptional faculty and staff, preparing students to thrive post-graduation, and more.

As outlined in the September 17 BOE meeting, which is when the series of Strategic Plan presentations started, the last of the presentations will have Uberti share goals that are being set by the budget, facility, human resources, security, technology, and education directors.

Reports

In a brief Chair Report, BOE Chair Alison Plante thanked Transition Administrator Dr JeanAnn Paddyfote for her service to Newtown Public Schools, who will be leaving her position on November 1.

Paddyfote was originally appointed into the position of Interim Superintendent of Schools during the BOE’s June 24 meeting. Paddyfote’s appointment took effect on July 1, after which she served in that position until the Board voted to appoint Anne Uberti as the district’s new superintendent of schools in their July 30 meeting.

Paddyfote remained with the district for a period of time to help with the change of positions, and the Board later updated her contract in their September 3 meeting to have her act as a transition administrator through November 1. Plante said that the Board is “very grateful” for Paddyfote’s time with them, and that she left an outsized impact despite her fairly short tenure.

Specifically, Plante said that Paddyfote did a ton of work to assess the district’s policies, which helped the BOE kickstart their policy revamp and give them a better understanding of the best practices in this space. Paddyfote also updated numerous job descriptions and helped with special education, according to Plante.

“We really thank her for her work, and we will miss her as she departs us this week,” Plante concluded. “We very much appreciate her time with us.”

On behalf of Newtown Public Schools, Uberti offered her condolences to the Blomberg family after longtime Newtown resident and assistant chief of Botsford Fire Rescue Pete Blomberg passed away on October 28. Blomberg had also served in the custodial department of Newtown Public Schools for 19 years, and had only just retired last month.

“We’re very saddened for those who know him, and for our community,” Uberti said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all that knew him.”

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.