West Hartford’s legislative delegation presented proclamations to Conard High School and Hall High School Principal Sarah Isaacs on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

State Rep. Kate Farrar (D-20th) speaks on the floor of the State House on April 29, officially acknowledging honors from CAS received by both Conard and Hall. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford legislative delegation had reason to recognize both of the town’s public schools on the floor of the House last week.

On Wednesday, April 29, state Rep. Kate Farrar (D-20th) was recognized by the Speaker of the House, and making the announcement that she and the rest of the delegation and representatives of West Hartford Public Schools were “here today because we don’t have just one incredible acknowledgement, but two.” In March, Conard High School was recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) as the state’s High School of the Year, and more recently, CAS announced that Hall High School Principal Sarah Isaacs was named the 2026-2027 Outstanding First-Year Principal of the Year.

“We are so proud of their incredible work and incredible teamwork for our students, for our families, for all of the staff of our schools,” she said. “On behalf of all of us in the West Hartford delegation, we just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to these incredible educators and to all of the staff, families, and students across West Hartford.”

Hall Principal Sarah Isaacs (left) and Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble hold their citations. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

When Conard was first notified of the High School of the Year honor, Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble, in a letter to the families, said the recognition represented the heart of the entire school community. “This award celebrates the collective efforts of our students, staff, families, and community partners, who work each day to create a school environment rooted in belonging and excellence. It recognizes not only our academic achievements but also our commitment to supporting the whole child, fostering meaningful connections and ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed, honoring every path after graduation,” she said.

When Conard’s award was announced in March, West Hartford Superintendent Paul Vicinus said that excellence across a broad range of rigorous standards and best practices must be demonstrated before a school can even be considered as a nominee for the award. The process includes a review of “school safety and wellness, comprehensive academic and intervention supports, robust extracurricular opportunities, high-quality instructional practices, personalized learning environments, and a research-based curriculum that promotes high expectations for all learners,” he said.

State Sen. Derek Slap poses with Conard administrators (from left) Assistant Principal Lindsay Tringali, Assistant Principal Tor Fiske, Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble, Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus, and Assistant Principal Juan Melian. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“This recognition is a tremendous honor,” Vicinus said previously. “Being nominated and competing at this level is an achievement in itself; earning the distinction of the CAS High School of the Year is a testament to the tireless efforts of Conard’s educators, support staff, and the entire school community.”

In a letter to the West Hartford Public Schools community last week, Vicinus noted that Isaacs being named First-Year Principal of the Year “recognizes her exceptional leadership and the significant and immediate positive impact she has made at Hall.”

He said he is very proud of the impact that she and the team have on students and the community. “Principal Isaacs brings a genuine passion for students and a deep commitment to her school community. She has created a culture where high expectations are matched by strong relationships and a true sense of belonging for every student. Through a clear vision for collaboration and a commitment to equity and student-centered innovation, she has advanced practices that strengthen connection, mentorship, and accountability. During times of challenge, Ms. Isaacs has provided steady, empathetic leadership, ensuring her school community feels supported, safe, and connected; a model for exemplary leadership in action,” Vicinus said.

Hall Principal Sarah Isaacs with her husband, Aaron. Photo credit; Ronni Newton

“Sarah Isaacs represents the very best of emerging school leadership. Her first year reflects a rare combination of vision, resilience, and humanity, embodying the spirit and intent of the Connecticut Association of Schools Outstanding First-Year Principal of the Year Award.  I am so proud to count her among the leadership team and to call her a friend and colleague,” said Vicinus.

Official Citations from the General Assembly were presented to Tamborello-Noble and Isaacs extending congratulations for the honors.

From left: Hall Assistant Principal Win Columbano, Hall Principal Sarah Isaacs, state Sen. Derek Slap, Superintendent Paul Vicinus, Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble, Conard Assistant Principal Lindsay Tringali, Conard Assistant Principal Tor Fiske, Conard Assistant Principal Juan Melian. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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