Erardi, Southington School Superintendent, speaks of bright outlook with many new programs.

New Southington Municipal Center --Facility houses offices
of Board of  Education and town departments
Photo by Deborah Mikan

Dr. Joseph Erardi, Supt of Southington Schools
Photo by Deborah Mikan

As published in the Southington Citizen September 21, 2012

Dr. Joe Erardi, outlined a plan for the “new school year (which) will include meaningful work that has the potential to change the landscape of teaching and learning within our Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 system.” In this second part of a two-part conversation with Erardi, his generally observed serious and reserved demeanor seemed to transcend to glowing enthusiasm as he spoke of the multi-faceted plans of the 2012-13 school year in Southington.


 Erardi expresses a deep sense of gratitude for his partnership with the Board of Education, (BOE), and staff in their collaborative objectives of raising the bar in the standards of preparation of the children in our educational system for productive citizenship and as productive members of the work force upon graduation.

This is a centerpiece in the goals of Southington’s educational system this year while a district advisory committee is at work in the development and presentation of a new long term plan called Vision 2020, slated to be reported to the BOE by January 2013. Based on a pilot program this past year, an All-Day Kindergarten Feasibility Study will be done by the administration and presented with findings to the BOE by December 1, 2012, including space and cost analyses, curriculum impact, transportation issues and community conversations. Pilot programs in K-12 classes will be conducted this semester in the use of technology by students with findings to be brought to the BOE by February 1, 2013. The program includes assignment of BOE student email addresses, assisting in paperless environment; the use of internet based devices such as Kindles and e-Readers and the use of iPads, laptops and cell phones in class situations. 

There will be further examinations, refinement and enhancements this year of teaching and learning initiatives taken in 2011-12: The grade 8/9 Student Transition Team will meet to examine the rigor and readiness of middle school students moving into high school. Also, there’ll be an analysis of the leveling changes at SHS that are presently in place now for all students. The administration will study the establishment of world language as early as in our K-5 (elementary) years.

This year’s plans include consideration of online opportunities for students, (Virtual Learning Academy), in order to assist SHS students with a resource or option for homebound instruction and credit recovery. Meanwhile, with completion of the BOE and administration move into the new Southington Municipal Center, (the renovated and re-fitted North Center School), discussions and community conversations will begin by March, 2013 concerning the needs for renovation of the Derynoski, Kelley and Flanders Elementary Schools.

The BOE and Superintendent’s office will also work in partnership with the Southington Public Building Committee on the design phase of the DePaolo and Kennedy Middle Schools. A centralized student data collection system will be presented to the BOE by November 2012. Erardi stated that and in-depth technology needs and cost analysis to offer all students and faculty ‘equity in opportunity’ in all buildings. In response to a question about extra-curricular opportunities of students in Southington,

Erardi spoke with pride of what he refers to as “co-curricular” activities which provide opportunities beyond acameic achievement in producing graduates whose resumes show them to be ready for prime time in the working world, both academically and through their participation in sports in Southington’s rich athletic programs, the arts, including music, the Marching Band and diverse special activities clubs. From the Superintendent’s enthusiastic perspective, community partnerships are an invaluable component of the healthy growth of the BOE and Town systems.

“We will continue our effective partnership with town officials in planning further development of the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan.”, Erardi said. He will continue to engage and inform parents through the PTO Executive Council, attend PTO meetings and continue to be available in his daily 6:30 am hour in his office, open to all. Erardi expressed his profound appreciation for the partnership with all veterans’ organizations, American Legion, VFW, Marine Corps League, etc. in being ready to work with students as speakers and role models in citizenship and civic responsibility.

The BOE will continue to work closely with safety officials: police, fire and community safety organizations, notably with Southington’s Town-wide Efforts to Promote Success (STEPS) in growing healthy and great kids! Erardi and Town Manager, Garry Brumback will continue their weekly meetings to discuss information appropriate to common interests. With the BOE and certain town departments housed in the new Municipal Center there will be greater advantage to all in communications, collaboration and easy access.

Erardi thinks about his 35 years in his chosen profession and says he cannot recall a time of greater excitement and greater pride than right now as he looks back at the accomplishments of the past year and the plans enthusiastically supported by the BOE, the Town and its citizens, as he anticipates the great future for education in Southington beginning this year and going forward to Vision 2020. He especially noted that all this has taken place even as we have been through an economically challenged three years and still facing additional cuts in federal funding in 2013. “We will not lose one program and we will continue to offer every child the best preparation for professional and job opportunities” Erardi said. He was clearly positive that the goals are achievable, notwithstanding that the economy, world and job markets of 2020 are not yet known.