Vernon Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary Named Connecticut Superintendent of the Year
Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary has been named 2024 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS).
Dr. Macary, who has been Vernon’s superintendent since October 2015, has focused on working closely with parents, teachers, staff, the Board of Education and town leaders to improve Vernon Public Schools and steadily increase student performance in measurable ways. That work has shown results.
This fall Vernon residents learned that Vernon Public Schools exceeded the state average in 18 of 23 metrics in the state’s Next Generation Accountability Results. Vernon was also No. 1 among Alliance Districts and in its District Reference Group.
Two elementary schools, Maple Street and Northeast, recently achieved “School of Distinction” status while a third, Skinner Road School, was named a “National Blue Ribbon School” for its performance. Only four Connecticut schools achieved Blue Ribbon status this year. In 2020, Northeast was also named a Blue Ribbon School.
In selecting Dr. Macary as superintendent of the year, CAPSS cited his “remarkable achievements, dedication and exemplary service to the field of education.”
“The state now knows what we in Vernon have known for several years,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Dr. Macary is committed to creating an environment where Vernon children excel in school so that they are prepared to lead rewarding and successful lives. He works hard. He sets high standards. He solves problems. And, like a true leader, he does not ask anyone to work harder than he does to help our children succeed.”
Criteria for recognition as CAPSS Superintendent of the Year include: creativity in successfully meeting students’ needs, strong communications within the district and to the community, continual improvement of personal knowledge and skills while also providing professional development opportunities for others, and active participation in community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.
Dr. Macary, who has said being a superintendent is the most challenging and rewarding position he has ever held, was honored Friday at the annual convention of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.
“It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow superintendents,” Dr. Macary said. “Every superintendent knows that a district’s success is due to many factors. Students, families, teachers, administrators, staff and the board of education create a environment where students can excel. Community support is essential too. We have all those in Vernon and we are seeing the results. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we will never stop trying to do better.”
Dr. Macary’s life is an example of the power of education. His parents came to the U.S. from Lebanon so that their children would have access to quality education. He attended UConn for his undergraduate and doctorate degrees and Quinnipiac University for his master’s degree. He began his educational career as a teacher in the Waterbury public schools. He was superintendent in Wolcott before coming to Vernon.
“During my time on the Board of Education, I saw Dr. Macary lay the ground work for the success our students are experiencing now,” former Board of Education Chairperson Anne Fischer said. “Joe’s commitment to excellence and to Vernon children is inspiring.”
“Dr. Macary’s receipt of this award reinforces how fortunate Vernon is to have him,” current Board of Education Chairperson Paul Grabowski said. “The award reflects his accomplishments and dedication to providing students with a high quality education both in Vernon and across Connecticut. It’s also reflective of the high standards he holds himself to, as well as students and teachers, to achieve academic success.”
“CAPSS is incredibly proud of Dr. Joe Macary’s selection as Superintendent of the Year,” CAPSS Executive Director Fran Rabinowitz said. “Joe is well known throughout the state for the outstanding academic growth and achievement he has attained in Vernon. He is a tireless advocate for students and staff in Alliance Districts and is very instrumental in preparing new educational leaders for our schools and districts.”
CABE Executive Director Patrice McCarthy said Dr. Macary is richly deserving of the honor for his “tireless work at the local and state levels on behalf of our public school students.”
Town Administrator Michael Purcaro, who previously worked for Dr. Macary as Director of Business and Finance for the Vernon Public Schools and was also Vice President of Government Relations for CABE, said Dr. Macary’s laser-like focus on continual improvement is making Vernon Public Schools and the Town of Vernon stronger.
“At the heart of every successful community is a well-managed and effective school system, where students are prepared academically and socially to analyze problems, engineer solutions, build practical skills, and to approach life’s challenges with confidence,” Purcaro said. “Strong public schools are the foundation upon which strong communities are built. I am proud of Joe’s accomplishments and grateful for his leadership and commitment to the Vernon community.”