Windsor Board of Education names new school superintendent

Jeffrey A. Villar was named as the new superintendent of schools for Windsor. Courtesy photo.

After a three-month search and a series of interviews, the Windsor Board of Education selected Jeffrey A. Villar as the town’s new superintendent of schools at its special meeting on Nov. 30.

Villar, a Marlborough native, earned his Ph.D. and master’s degree at the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in history at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is currently the superintendent of schools for the Rocky Hill, Conn., school district. Villar belongs to several educational associations, including the Hartford Area Superintendents Association Executive Board, the Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendents Legislative Committee, and the Connecticut Standards for School Leaders Committee.

Villar, who will start in March 2012, will replace Interim Superintendent Ernest L. Perlini, who served after the departure of nine-year incumbent Elizabeth E. Feser. She is currently superintendent of the Milford, Conn., public school system.

According to BOE Chairman Doreen Richardson, the district started the selection process back in September, narrowed its search to several candidates by October, and chose Villar due to his overall skill set, collaborative style of leadership, educational philosophy that fit in with that of the community, as well as his vision for the future of education in Windsor. Richardson said Villar inspires teachers and administrators to work hard on behalf of the children and their best possible educational outcome.

Villar has presented scholarly papers at “numerous conferences on administrative leadership and education curriculum issues,” according to Laura Soll, spokesperson for the school district.

The town of Windsor worked with the New England School Development Council to select a new superintendent. The council also guides communities in strategies on how to identify what a district needs in a leader, and then helps identify qualities in candidates that best meet those needs.

Villar received a warm welcoming reception by several community members and town officials. He also introduced his wife and children to the board and community members Nov. 30. The board of education plans to hold a welcoming public reception at the schools to meet the community once Villar joins the staff in March.