Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus announced that Anne McKernan has been appointed assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.

By Ronni Newton 

Anne McKernan, who has been serving in the role of assistant superintendent for Administration since July 1, 2022, filling in on an interim basis while Andy Morrow was interim superintendent of schools following the departure of Tom Moore, and of May 1 she was officially named one of the district’s two assistant superintendents, Superintendent Paul Vicinus announced Tuesday.

The appointment of Vicinus as superintendent as of May 1 resulted in his position as assistant superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment becoming vacant, while Morrow has returned to his former job as assistant superintendent for Administration.

“Anne is an inspiring and collaborative leader who has provided vision and direction to our secondary schools since 2016,” Vicinus told the Board of Education Tuesday night as he announced McKernan’s appointment. She had been director of secondary education since July 1, 2016.

“Her exceptional talent and previous leadership experience in West Hartford, the State Department of Education, CREC, and Enfield enabled her to achieve a seamless transition into this executive leadership role and provide outstanding stable and responsible stewardship of our school safety program and student relations,” Vicinus said.

During her tenure, McKernan “has championed efforts to support continuous improvements in our school environments and mental health support through the School-Based Diversion Initiative coupled with our district work on restorative practices,” Vicinus said. She has also been working extensively and collaboratively with the Board of Education to review and revise policy.

Vicinus praised McKernan’s “talent for creative problem solving, her energy, passion and dedication, and her ability to collaborate and facilitate active engagement among a broad range of stakeholders [which] makes her a catalyst for continuous systemic improvement. She champions student growth and achievement and embodies the district mission to prepare and inspire all students. ”

McKernan has been a key collaborator in major projects undertaken by the district – including establishment of the Vision of the Graduate as well as the mastery experience program – groundbreaking work that will result in lasting contribution to the educational experience and culture of the district.

McKernan has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Fordham University, a master’s in public policy from Trinity College, a sixth year certificate in educational leadership from Southern Connecticut State University, and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut’s Executive Leadership Program.

Michelle Graveline, who was the Mathematics Department supervisor has been serving as interim director of Secondary Education since July 1, 2023. That position, along with the director of Equity Advancement role being vacated by Roszena Haskins, will be posted, Vicinus said.

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