SOUTHWICK – Jennifer C. Willard is the new Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School superintendent.
Willard is currently the human resources director for Westfield Public Schools and was a finalist for superintendent positions in both communities.
The Committee met this week with five candidates and selected Willard and Natalie B. Dunning as its top finalists Thursday evening.
The decision was ultimately unanimous after discussing the merits of the candidates.
Committee members James Vincent, Jeffrey Houle, George LeBlanc and Theodore Locke nominated Willard, while Jean McGivney-Burelle, Pamela Petschke and Maria Seddon cast votes for Dunning.
All members said both candidates would be excellent superintendents and Petschke, Seddon and McGivney-Burelle all said Willard was their top choice before interviewing Dunning Thursday afternoon.
All three cited Dunning’s experience in a regional school that parallels STGR and her involvement in a school feasibility study as reasons that swayed them.
Vincent reminded everyone Willard was involved with the study and closing of Moseley School in Westfield.
Petschke said Willard did make an impression in the area of technology as well.
“She was the only candidate to mention technology in the right way,” she said, noting Willard spoke about technology in terms of getting it in the hands of students.
Seddon said Willard was commanding.
“Willard comes in the room with a smile and enthusiasm and I think she would rejuvenate our schools,” said Seddon.
LeBlanc touted Willard’s past experience as a principal as one reason he voted in her favor.
“At her site visit, the parents and teachers said she took an underperforming school and did a lot for the environment to encourage learning and get the kids excited,” added Locke.
Willard will now enter into contract negotiations with the district. Current Superintendent John Barry is set to retire at the end of the school year.
