For immediate release
January, 19, 2018
Contact: Jacqueline Reis 781-338-3115
New Receiver Appointed for Southbridge Public Schools
SOUTHBRIDGE – Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Jeff Wulfson announced today that he has appointed Jeffrey Villar, executive director of the Connecticut Council for Education Reform and a former superintendent in Connecticut, to be the receiver for the Southbridge Public Schools.
Dr. Villar has been an educator since he graduated from college and has worked in districts in Connecticut for the length of his career. He started as a bilingual high school history teacher and later served as a principal and superintendent who worked with teachers and district staff to align curriculum, improve district budget transparency and increase student achievement.
As executive director of the Connecticut Council for Education Reform, he has led efforts to provide district leaders with technical support and professional development to narrow achievement gaps in Connecticut. Prior to his tenure at the council, Dr. Villar was superintendent of schools in Windsor and Rocky Hill, Conn. While superintendent, he led his districts’ instructional improvement strategy by implementing new curriculum models aligned with district assessments, improved district budget transparency and worked extensively to plan school building projects.
"Dr. Villar's experience will be an asset to Southbridge and will allow him to continue the strong work that is underway," Education Secretary James Peyser said. "I am happy to welcome him to the district."
Prior to appointing Dr. Villar, ESE worked with a facilitator to gather responses from the community about what qualities they hoped to see in the next Southbridge superintendent/receiver. That feedback helped inform Commissioner Wulfson's selection of Dr. Villar.
"The work of improving schools is difficult and does not always go smoothly," Acting Commissioner Wulfson said. "I appreciate Interim Receiver Russell Johnston's efforts in keeping the district moving forward as we searched for the right leader. I am confident that Jeffrey Villar is that person and that he will be an outstanding superintendent for the Southbridge Public Schools."
"I am excited to be back working with students, teachers and staff in a school district," Dr. Villar said. "I look forward to learning from the Southbridge community, including families, and to working together to serve our students."
Earlier in his career, Dr. Villar was at different times an associate superintendent, middle school principal and assistant high school principal in Meriden, Conn. He taught bilingual history in Hartford, Conn.
Dr. Villar holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from Eastern Connecticut State University, a master's degree in education from the University of Connecticut and a doctorate in education in curriculum and instruction, also from the University of Connecticut.
Russell Johnston, a senior associate commissioner with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will remain interim receiver until Dr. Villar’s appointment takes effect on February 12. As receiver, Dr. Villar will be a state employee based in Southbridge and will report directly to Acting Commissioner Wulfson. Dr. Villar’s annual salary will be $198,000, part of which ESE will subsidize initially. The Department expects the district to eventually cover the full cost of Dr. Villar's salary.
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