The search process to appoint a new Superintendent for New Fairfield public schools will begin Monday, Dec. 4, with focus groups facilitated by consultants with Cooperative Educational Services (C.E.S.).

The new superintendent is expected to start on or before July 1, 2018.

The focus groups were designed by the C.E.S. search team to identify leadership characteristics that the community wants in the next Superintendent. The focus groups will be held with school staff, city government and New Fairfield residents.

The focus group schedule on Dec. 4 is:

10:30 a.m.: Building Administrators and Central Office Administrators.

1:15 p.m.: High School Student Senate.

2:45 p.m.: Secondary Teachers.

4 p.m.: Elementary Teachers.

7 p.m.: Community and parents.

The first four groups will meet in the New Fairfield High School Conference Room. The final group, with the community and parents, will meet in the Meeting House Hill School cafeteria.

An online survey will also be open to New Fairfield residents and school staff, accessible Nov. 27 through Dec. 8 at newfairfieldschools.org.

Facilitating the search for C.E.S. will be Tom Jokubaitis and Jim Ritchie. Both have distinguished careers in Connecticut schools that include time as superintendents, principals and consultants. Their background and knowledge of outstanding educational practices ensures the best candidates are found following a comprehensive C.E.S. search with a proven track record.

C.E.S. is a Trumbull-based organization that provides support and services to school districts and communities in Fairfield County, in addition to operating two magnet schools. Its Executive Search Services division has located qualified candidates to fill superintendent, principal and other school administrative positions for districts and schools throughout Connecticut.

 Contact: Samantha Mannion, New Fairfield Board of Education mannion.samantha@newfairfieldschools.org