For the 10th straight year, the Vernon Board of Education was honored as a “Board of Distinction” by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education.
The CABE board awards recognize local boards of education that provide effective leadership to their districts through the use of good practices. The program also acknowledges the importance of school board members and superintendents working together as effective teams.
Vernon won the Level II Award, which is the highest bestowed by CABE. Vernon was one of only 16 school districts to receive the prestigious leadership award in 2025.
The Board of Distinction award only goes to boards of education that are consistently top performers in CABE’s annual review process and Vernon has achieved Level II for a decade.
“The Vernon Board of Education consistently goes above and beyond to ensure Vernon students have a demanding curriculum, great teachers and grow academically each year,” Patrice McCarthy, CABE’s executive director, said. “A smoothly-operating board that works together as a team and that is focused on student achievement creates a school environment where great things happen.”
Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said the achievement is a testament to the hard work and leadership efforts by the Boards of Education for the past 10 years. “There is no higher honor than to be recognized by your peers,” he said.
“Vernon Board Members always do what is best for students and create the conditions for schools, classrooms, and students to learn, achieve and succeed,” Dr. Macary said. “I commend Anne Fischer and Paul Grabowksi (as board chairs) for leading the Vernon Public Schools towards educational excellence. They are role models for public servants in our caring community.”
Board members are called on to do much more than attend one or two meetings a month, Chairman Paul Grabowski said. There are full board meetings, committee meetings and special events that board members attend, he said. They also serve as liaisons to our schools.
“The board works well together and is laser-focused on what is best for Vernon students, and what makes our schools and Vernon stronger,” Grabowski said. “The board, Dr. Macary and Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa are all intent on getting the most out of our students and preparing them to live successful and meaningful lives.”
This district’s “Vision of the Graduate” is an important guidepost for the board and other district leaders.
“We want every Vernon student to experience success in a career or secondary education and to be a critical thinker, a collaborator, a communicator, a resilient individual and a responsible citizen. The board is grateful to CABE for recognizing the Vernon Board of Education’s commitment and belief that all children can learn and achieve using a whole child approach.”