Search for new superintendent ongoing as Bennett steps down

The Region 12 school board has begun searching for a new superintendent after Megan Bennett announced she’ll be leaving the position to move out of state.

Bennett’s last day on the job will be June 30. A search committee has been formed and Board of Education Chairman Gregory J. Cava said the goal is to have a replacement hired in time to take over on July 1.

Bennett said she loves her job, but her husband took a job in Arizona as the vice president of Honeywell, and “it’s an opportunity that as a family we couldn’t pass up.”

“I am not leaving because of anything that has to do with the job or anything that has to do with dealing with COVID-19,” Bennett said. “I had every intention to stay on as superintendent in Region 12. I hope my successor knows what kind of special opportunity it is to work here with these special teachers, students and administrators. But literally, it’s all about the love I have for my husband.”

Cava said Bennett made a huge impact in her four years in Region 12, a school district that serves Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington, and her move to step down was a bit of a surprise.

“I was surprised she is leaving, we didn’t expect it,” Cava said. “She has been a wonderful superintendent for these kids. When she first came here there were delays in getting state funding for the Agriscience program. She did tremendous work getting the funding we needed.”

The agriscience program offers Agricultural Science and Technology Education programs that are state funded. It prepares students for college and careers in fields such as animal science, agricultural mechanics, aquaculture, biotechnology, food science, and marine technology.

In addition to students from Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington, the program accepts students from Bethel, Bethlehem, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Sherman and Woodbury.

“Under her watch Booth Free School is ranked No. 1 in the state and Washington School has a high ranking as well,” Cava said. “We are also one of the few schools to have its own planetarium. Unfortunately, it has needed some work, has been shuttered and used primarily for storage. The planetarium became another project for Megan. She worked hard to get it open. Right now it’s under construction and will be a digital state-of-the-art planetarium. Unfortunately she won’t be here to see it in operation because we won’t be able to use it until the fall.”

For Bennett, there are many memories that stick out when it comes to her time at Region 12. The growth and success of the Region 12 Agriscience program and being able to get through the COVID-19 pandemic are among them.

“The district is starting to stabilize when it comes to COVID-19, we are getting to some sense of normalcy and that is good to see,” Bennett said. “Right now, it’s so emotional for me and it’s breaking my heart. I will miss the job and everything that goes with it.”