SHARE

New Canaan High Principal Named Interim Superintendent Of Schools

NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- Bryan Luizzi, principal of New Canaan High School, has been appointed the interim superintendent of  the New Canaan Public Schools, the Board of Education announced Tuesday in a statement. 

Bryan Luizzi, principal of New Canaan High School, will take over the reins as interim superintendent.

Bryan Luizzi, principal of New Canaan High School, will take over the reins as interim superintendent.

Photo Credit: New Canaan Schools

Luizzi's appointment is effective July 1, upon the retirement of the current superintendent, Mary Kolek.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the Board of Education. Luizzi lives in Brookfield and has 18 years of experience in education, serving the last three years as the principal of New Canaan High School.

“We sought to build upon what Dr. Kolek and the school district have created. We are excited to have an interim superintendent who can lead our high-performing school district in the continuous pursuit of excellence. Dr. Luizzi is an experienced leader with the skills and passion required to lead the district,” said Board of Education Chairman Hazel Hobbs.

“I am honored to be chosen by the Board for this exciting opportunity,” Luizzi said. “I feel it is essential for an interim superintendent to engage in a collaborative fashion with the school board, community, administrators, and staff to ensure a productive and successful school year. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the great work that the New Canaan Public Schools will continue to accomplish going forward.”

The Board of Education said it will determine the process, which will include community input, to fill the permanent superintendent position in the fall.

Gary Kass, director of Human Resources, will immediately begin the process to appoint an interim principal for New Canaan High School.

Luizzi began his teaching career at Newtown High School as an English teacher. He then served as the manager of Technology Operations for the Newtown school district. In this role, he used a systems-thinking approach to design and implement technology initiatives to enhance student learning districtwide. He then progressed through a number of administrative positions in the Brookfield school system, culminating in his appointment as the principal of Brookfield High School, a position he held for five years.

In 2006, he completed his doctor of education degree at Teachers College, Columbia University. Soon thereafter, he began teaching as an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University and at the University of Connecticut. 

In 2011, Luizzi was selected as the principal of New Canaan High School.

“Dr. Luizzi has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the core beliefs and vision that define and guide the New Canaan Public Schools," Kolek said. "His strong working knowledge of the culture and strengths of the district and community will allow him, working in concert with the board and leadership team, to enhance, expand and create initiatives designed to support and grow student well being and success.”

Kolek has served New Canaan Public Schools for 10 years, joining the district in 2004 as assistant superintendent. She announced her plans to retire in March. She has been superintendent since July 2012. Read about her retirement here in the Daily Voice.

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE