New Milford’s outgoing superintendent takes leave of absence through Sept.

NEW MILFORD — Outgoing Schools Superintendent Alisha DiCorpo has taken a leave of absence until Sept. 2

Assistant Superintendent Holly Hollander announced the news Friday afternoon and reassured parents — saying that “administrators and the Central Office team are working to ensure a successful opening to our school year. We will also continue our efforts with the high school administrators, the Board of Education, and Mayor Bass to address the needs of NMHS. Our focus remains on the well-being and success of our students and on supporting our staff to deliver high-quality education.”

Hollander said the district will continue to provide information about the remediation and restoration of New Milford High School and details for the opening of the school year as it becomes available.

A July 5 fire caused substantial damage and forced summer programs scheduled at the high school to move to other locations. Due to the extent of the damage, Mayor Pete Bass declared a local disaster emergency.

On July 7, DiCorpo announced she will leave the district, after about 1 1/2 years leading New Milford schools. Her last day is Oct. 4, after which she is expected to take a job with EdAdvance. The reason for her leave of absence was not immediately clear on Friday afternoon.

In response to Hollander’s letter, Bass said DiCorpo’s leave of absence will not affect the reopening date of New Milford High School on Sept. 6.

“We are working around the clock and will continue to do so with all hands on deck to reopen our school as quickly and safely as possible,” Bass wrote. “Thank you to Asst. Superintendent Hollander, Administration, Staff, The Board of Education, and our New Milford Community as we all work together with the opening of schools as our number one priority.”