A Promotion and a New Hire Build Central Office Leadership
As students return for the new school year, the Easton, Redding, and Region 9 school districts have two new assistant superintendents in the central office: Sara Scrofani and Alisha DiCorpo.
Sara Scrofani Promoted to Newly Created Position
Sara Scrofani has been promoted to the newly created position of assistant superintendent for ER9. This new position replaces the director of finance, operations and technology role she previously held. A press release from the districts noted that the promotion “recognizes her outstanding contributions and dedication to the three districts.”
In her new role, Scrofani will continue to oversee finance and operations, while expanding her responsibilities and leveraging her leadership skills to work on ER9’s educational and operational initiatives. She will work closely with Superintendent Dr. Jason McKinnon to engage with the community and other key stakeholders. She will continue to uphold and enhance educational excellence and operational efficiency across the districts.
“Sara’s comprehensive understanding of the needs of our districts and her proactive approach to embracing technology and innovation in education make her an invaluable asset to our team,” McKinnon said.
Scrofani said she was “deeply honored to step into this role and to continue contributing to our shared vision of excellence.” She continued, “I am honored to serve as the assistant superintendent, and I look forward to working with our talented staff and engaged community to provide outstanding educational opportunities for all our students.”
Scrofani has more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership. She has been with ER9 for three years. She was originally hired as the director of technology and digital before her promotion to director of finance, operations and technology. Before joining ER9, she was a specialist in technology integration for the Trumbull public schools. She began her educational career as a teacher at Naugatuck High School and Staples High School.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in educational technology with a specialization in school library media. She also earned a 6th-year degree in educational administration and leadership from Sacred Heart University and is currently pursuing an doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Western Connecticut State University.
Alisha DiCorpo Hired as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Alisha DiCorpo was unanimously appointed by the Redding, Easton, and Region 9 Boards of Educaiton as the new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, following Dr. Stephanie Pierson Ugol’s departure earlier this year. DiCorpo has extensive experience in educational leadership, including roles as assistant superintendent, interim superintendent and superintendent in the New Milford School District.
DiCorpo will focus on several key areas to enhance the educational experience for students in all three districts. She will refine and update the schools’ curriculum to meet the needs of all students, support the implementation of high-impact instructional strategies to improve student engagement and provide professional learning opportunities for teachers. All of these responsibilities will align with ER9’s strategic plan.
“This strategic addition to our leadership team underscores our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success,” McKinnon said. “We believe Ms. DiCorpo is poised to make a significant impact on the academic programs within our district.”
Kimberly Fox Santora, principal of Samuel Staples Elementary School, said, “ER9 is so fortunate to have hired someone of Ms. DiCorpo’s caliber. Informed and richly experienced, Ms. DiCorpo has something valuable to offer every academic level and department, and I look forward to working alongside and welcoming her to our community.”
DiCorpo left New the Milford School District in October 2022 to take on a role at EdAdvance, a non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that serves school districts in Connecticut.
ER9 received 30 applications for the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction position. A selection committee conducted round one interviews and narrowed 10 “qualified candidates to a field of three high-caliber leaders,” according to a statement from the districts.
Candidates were asked to present a 90-day entry plan during the second round of interviews as well as answer questions related to the implementation of the district’s three-year strategic plan. According to ER9, DiCorpo highlighted her K-12 experience in her presentation “with an emphasis on listening and learning about our schools while building on our strengths.”
