Ridgewood's long-time head of curriculum and instruction is taking a job as the full-time superintendent of a Connecticut school district, according to Southbury Patch.
Regina Lemerich Botsford, an educator for nearly 40 years, has spent the last decade as Ridgewood's assistant superintendent and director of curriculum and instruction. She was among 15 candidates vying for the role of top administrator at Regional School District 15 in Southbury, Conn.
Her appointment in Connecticut is expected to become official on Monday, according to Southbury Patch.
"Regina has been a great asset to the district in the area of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction for over a decade," said Ridgewood Superintendent Dan Fishbein. "She has been instrumental in the revision of all curricula during her tenure as well as make sure our district scored 'high performing' QSAC. I will miss her as a colleague and know she is excited to start as Superintendent."
“The board has chosen a new superintendent who exemplifies strength of character and leadership,” commented Region 15 Board Chairperson Janet Butkus in a statement. “We are confident that she will skillfully guide Region 15 through the many educational challenges and changes ahead.”
A team comprised of school board members, parents and administrators observed Botsford working in Ridgewood, Southbury Patch said. Impressed with her performance, they recommended her for the position.
Botsford is just the latest high-level administrator to leave Ridgewood in recent months.
Veteran business administrator Angelo DeSimone retired in June and the district's head of human resources, Gary Hall, announced his resignation on Monday. The district's leader of special education, Kerry Huntington, also just retired.
"We have opened a search for Regina’s replacement and will move deliberately and quickly to fill this important position with the right person as soon as possible," Fishbein said.
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