The Easton Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Steven Clapp the next principal of Helen Keller Middle School.
Previously an assistant principal at Saxe Middle School in New Canaan, Dr. Clapp was selected from a pool of nearly 40 well qualified applicants in a process that included input from the community and direct participation from teachers, parents, and administrators who participated in the interview process.
Dr. Clapp assumed his new role on July 26. He earned his bachelor of arts from Moravian College, a master of science degree in middle school education from the University of New Haven, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Southern Connecticut State University.
“Coming to Easton is a return for Dr. Clapp to ER9,” said Dr. Rydell Harrison, former superintendent of schools for Easton, Redding, and Region 9 Schools. “He started his career at John Read Middle School, and he has been a middle school educator through and through, throughout his career.”
Dr. Harrison went on to say, “Steve talks about going from good to great, and great to excellent, and he is absolutely the right person to do that work.”
“We are all excited to have Dr. Clapp coming into the top spot at HKMS,” said Jon Stinson, chair of the Easton Board of Education. “Over the course of the last 24 years, Steve has consistently demonstrated his dedication to middle school students, and now coming into HKMS, he’s shown an eagerness to roll up his sleeves, partner with educators, and do everything in his power to provide the support needed to help us all recover after a tumultuous and trying year.”
The board would like to thank all of those who assisted by providing input during the process, with special thanks to Dr. Joseph Erardi of JE Consulting for his tireless efforts in the search.
Dr. Erardi is leading the search for a new superintendent to fill the vacancy left following Dr. Harrison’s June 25 resignation and subsequent departure. Former Superintendent Dr. Thomas McMorran took over as interim schools chief on July 20 and will remain until the new superintendent is appointed and begins his or her tenure.
A new superintendent is expected to be announced next week.
Helen Keller Middle School is located in Easton, Conn. It was a National Blue Ribbon school in 2011 and serves students in sixth through eighth grade, with a total enrollment of approximately 320.
