Board of Education Appoints New Superintendent

Dr. Mark F. Zito was appointed by the Board of Education to become the new superintendent of schools at a special meeting Tuesday night.

Since April 2009, Zito has served as the superintendent for the East Hartford Public Schools. He was previously the director of human resources for the Simsbury Public Schools and principal at Hartford Public High School. Before coming to Connecticut, he served as a special education teacher and assistant principal in Chesapeake, VA.

"Dr. Zito’s broad educational teaching and administrative experiences combined with his success in his current position as Superintendent in East Hartford and his proven ability to work effectively with elected officials impressed the board," said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Winzler in a press release. "The board was also impressed with the many ways in which he communicated with the community and his creative thinking regarding the challenges facing education today."

Since January, Winzler has after Dr. Jeffrey Villar accepted the in December.

A search committee selected six candidates for the superintendent's position, which was then whittled down to three finalists. From those three, Zito was selected by the Board of Education.

"The selection process was rigorous and very comprehensive, “Winzler said in the release. "The slate of candidates was very strong."

Zito’s first official day as superintendent of schools will be July 1, however he will start working with Winzler soon and making visits to Rocky Hill when his schedule permits, according to the release.

The Board of Education is planning to hold a "Welcome Reception" ceremony for the community to meet Zito. A date has not been set at this time.

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