Superintendent of East Haddam, Connecticut public schools, Brian Reas, has been named the next superintendent for Plainville Community Schools, according to Plainville Board of Education Chair, Lori Consalvo. Reas will replace Interim Superintendent of Schools, Kevin Case.
The Plainville Board of Education contracted with Cooperative Educational Services (CES), one of six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) supporting public schools in Connecticut, to oversee the Plainville Community Schools’ superintendent candidate search which began in the spring. The search process commenced with a public survey made available to community members and stakeholders in June. In addition, a series of focus groups were held with parents, teachers, administrators, students, town officials, and members of the community to gather feedback relative to the selection of the next Plainville superintendent. At the same time, the position was widely publicized, both locally and nationally. After reviewing applications, the Plainville Board of Education selected and interviewed potential candidates based on a profile developed from the data gathered through the survey and focus group processes, and ultimately and unanimously selected Reas as the candidate of choice.
Reas began his career as an educator serving as a special education teacher in both Windham and Hebron, Connecticut schools. He then became an assistant principal in the East Hampton, Connecticut school system, where he moved on to become the Director of Support Services until 2010, when he became the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services for the East Lyme, Connecticut school system. He has served in the capacity of superintendent of schools for the East Haddam, Connecticut school district since 2014.
During his tenure in East Haddam, Reas has been involved in all aspects of school district operations including the district’s athletic complex referendum and construction project process, expansion of the district’s World Language program (K-12), implementation of a districtwide inclusive practices program, development of an innovative teacher and administrator evaluation program, strategic planning, creating an online data warehouse for data based decision making, completing a districtwide curriculum revision process, developing a K-12 graduation competency framework, implementing a staff wellness program, and more.
Reas holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Connecticut and a master of education degree from the University of Hartford. Additionally, he earned both a sixth year certificate and an executive certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut.
“The opportunity to serve the Plainville community as the superintendent is an honor, and I look forward to hitting the ground running in October. Learning more about the amazing students, families, staff, and community is my first priority as I begin to lead and learn with the Plainville school community,” said Reas.
“Mr. Reas is the perfect fit for Plainville Community Schools. He brings a wealth of experience as an educator and administrator to our school district, and possesses a number of exceptional leadership qualities. He is collaborative, skilled in building relationships, communicative, professional and passionate about working with our students, staff, families and board of education members going forward,” said Plainville Board of Education Chair, Lori Consalvo.
Reas was named the candidate of choice at a special Board of Education meeting held on August 16th; he will begin as Superintendent of Schools in Plainville on October 16th.