Principal search is underway

WINSTED — Region 7 school officials are already sifting through applications from several candidates interested in replacing retiring Northwestern High School Principal Wayne Connor.

Connor, who has spent nearly four decades as an educator, announced his retirement in November. His last day on the job will be June 31.

Connor spent the last 26 years as a member of the district’s staff. He has served as a teacher, housemaster and principal.

Region 7 Superintendent of Schools Clint Montgomery said the district has developed a plan to guide the administration and school board through the principal search process, ensuring it remains as fair, balanced and efficient as possible.

“It is a pretty structured and pretty effective process,� Montgomery told The Journal Tuesday. “And we need that to fill the very large shoes of Mr. Connor.�

The plan consists of a screening committee that will sift through the stack of submitted applications. Montgomery said the district has received a small handful of applications from those already working as educators within Region 7.

“And we’ve started to receive applications from outside the district as well,� he said.

From there, a small group of candidates will be selected to move forward to the next step, which will involve an in-person meeting at the district with an interview committee made up of school board members, administrators, students and parents.

Once the interviewing process is completed, the committee will narrow the field of four or five candidates down to its final choice for the post. That recommended candidate will then be presented to the school board for final approval.

“And then they choose to accept or reject that recommendation,� Montgomery said, adding that if the school board rejects the search committee’s final candidate, they will “go back to the drawing board.�

Montgomery said he is hoping to have the entire search and selection process completed by the end of March. The last day an interested candidate can file an application with the district is Jan. 29.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less