FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Frances Rabinowitz, CAPSS, (860) 236-8640, frabinowitz@capss.org
November 20, 2023
Joseph Macary, Ed.D. Named 2024 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year
[West Hartford, Connecticut] – The Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendents (CAPSS) is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Macary, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Vernon, Connecticut, has been honored as the 2024 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Macary's remarkable achievements, dedication, and exemplary service to the field of education make him a well-deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Dr. Joseph Macary has dedicated over 15 years to serving as a superintendent in Connecticut, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to educational excellence. He began his journey in education as a Social Studies Teacher in the Waterbury Public Schools, where he made a significant impact at Wilby High School and Crosby High School. During his tenure at Crosby High School, Dr. Macary served as the Social Studies Department Chair and Athletic Director, leaving a lasting legacy in the school community.
After embarking on his administrative career, Dr. Macary continued to excel. He held pivotal roles in the Wolcott Public Schools, including Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction and Director of Student Services and Alternate Programs. In July 2009, he assumed the role of Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Wolcott, and later, in October 2015, he took on his current position as the Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Vernon, Connecticut. The Vernon Public Schools, an Alliance District, serves 3,500 students across seven schools, including a regional adult education program.
Dr. Macary's educational journey is marked by his dedication to professional development and continued learning. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Economics. He earned a master's degree in teaching from Quinnipiac College and received his sixth-year degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. In August 2016, Dr. Macary was awarded his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut, solidifying his commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Macary has received numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career, highlighting his impact on the education community. He was honored as "Who's Who among America's High School Teachers" three times, a testament to his exceptional teaching abilities. In 2014, he was recognized as the "Educator of the Year" by the Greater Waterbury Boys & Girls Club, highlighting his community involvement and contributions beyond the classroom. In 2016, Dr. Macary was selected as the Distinguished Alumni for the Executive Leadership Program (ELP) at UConn, a testament to his leadership and innovative educational vision.
More recently, in 2022, Dr. Macary received the Albert J. Kerkin Award for exemplary services to adult education. In 2023, he was honored with the Outstanding School Superintendent award by the UConn Neag Alumni Board. These awards showcase his outstanding dedication to educational leadership and the positive impact he has had on students, teachers, and the community as a whole.
Dr. Macary's contributions extend beyond his professional life. He is actively involved in the education community, serving as a member of CAPSS, where he has also taken on the role of area chair for two regional superintendent groups. Joe Macary is a resident of Wolcott, Connecticut, where he lives with his wife and two sons, demonstrating his commitment to the communities he serves.
The Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendents is honored to recognize Dr. Joseph Macary as the 2024 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year. His unwavering commitment to educational excellence and his dedication to fostering a positive learning environment for students and staff make him a role model for educators across the state.
The criteria used to select a superintendent of the year include:
- Leadership for Learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system.
- Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication.
- Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team.
- Community Involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Macary, please contact Frances Rabinowitz at (860) 236-8640 ext. 160 or frabinowitz@capss.org.
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About CAPSS: The Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendents (CAPSS) is a statewide organization of educational leaders dedicated to promoting and leading continuous improvement in Connecticut's public schools. CAPSS provides exemplary educational leadership through advocacy, professional development, and research.