To SPS parents from Fr. Joe
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January 28, 2021Dear Parents/Guardians of Saint Paul School:
In the fall of 2012 Saint Paul School welcomed a new principal, Mrs. Fayne Molloy. When I was assigned here as Pastor in the summer of 2018 I knew that she intended to retire in June 2020. I will always be indebted to Mrs. Molloy for agreeing to stay on for another year as the school faced all that would come with COVID-19. I cannot even imagine how much more difficult an already challenging year would have been had she not stayed at the helm. I thought it important not only because it was in the school’s best interest that she remain in the principal’s office, but also for the parents so that you did not have to adjust to more change in the midst of significant changes as a result of COVID-19. But now the time has come for her to retire for a second and final time. As a result, a nine (9) member Search Committee has been put in place for the purpose of hiring the next principal of Saint Paul School effective July 1, 2021. The position will be posted this week. Mr. Rob Ramsey, an alumni parent, parishioner and veteran teacher and department chair at
As Pastor I am an ex officio member of the Search Committee by Archdiocesan policy, but I will not participate in their work as described below. The duties of the Search Committee will be to do an initial screening of those who complete an application. Candidates will also be screened by the Archdiocese of Hartford and they will validate their transcripts and certifications. Following the initial screening the Committee will decide which candidates to bring in for an initial interview. After that initial round they will bring some candidates back for a second interview. The Search Committee will then forward candidates for interviews with the full School Board and a Select Committee for interviews. Upon the completion of this process the Search Committee will submit finalists to me to interview and then make a decision on who to hire.
Joining Mr. Ramsey on the Search Committee representing the various constituencies of the school in alphabetical order are: Fr. Mark Curesky, OFM Conv., Pastor of St. John Cromwell, former pastor of St. Paul's, former Minister Provincial, former Administrator and teacher at the HS level; Diane Funk, Business Manager of Saint Paul School and Parish; John Grant, 8th Grade and Religion/Social Studies Teacher; Elizabeth Lasker, former 8th grade teacher and Reading Specialist in Newington Schools and current member of St. Paul Parish Pastoral Council Kathryn Lawson, Alumni Parent, Current Principal of Portland HS; Laura Mokhiber, Current Parent, President of Home & School Association; Bethany Perzanowski, Alumna, former teacher at Saint Paul School (2012-20), currently Kindergarten Teacher at Holmes Elementary in New Britain; Frank Tabaczynski, Current Parent, Member of the Saint Paul School Board, Senior Director at United Health Group.
I know that you join me in thanking Mrs. Molloy for what will be nine years of service to our school. Hopefully the current COVID-19 restrictions will be lessened and we will be able to have a proper celebration of Mrs. Molloy’s tenure as principal at the end of the school year. I ask you to join with me in prayer for the Holy Spirit’s guidance on the work of the Search Committee and that we will be successful in finding an outstanding principal for Saint Paul School. If you should have any questions please let me know.
Fr. Joseph Benicewicz, OFM Conv.
Pastor