Goodwin University and LEARN, a Regional Educational Service Center based in Old Lyme, have announced the appointment of Dr. Salvatore Menzo as Superintendent of Magnet Schools for Goodwin, effective July 1, 2021. For the past 12 years, Dr. Menzo has held the position of Superintendent in the Wallingford Public School District, navigating the district through significantly challenging financial times while increasing programming for students in such areas as technology, the arts, world language, and athletics.
“I am very excited to join Goodwin University and the magnet school team,” Dr. Menzo shared. “I believe that my experiences in Wallingford have prepared me for the creative and innovative work that lies ahead.”
The search process was thoughtful and comprehensive. “Dr. Menzo was selected from among a rich pool of fine educators for his focus on strengthening academic achievement, collaboration in providing early college experiences, and his exceptional ability to garner local and international partnerships,” offered Dr. Jacqueline Jacoby, chairperson of the Goodwin Magnet School Board and former superintendent.
“This is a critical role in the Goodwin community, and we are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Menzo taking on this responsibility,” said University president Mark Scheinberg. “Shaping such a broad range of educational pathways will impact our learners for generations to come.”
“LEARN is looking forward to forging a partnership with Dr. Menzo as he takes on this exciting role as the Superintendent of Goodwin Magnet Schools,” said Kate Ericson, Executive Director of LEARN.
Dr. Menzo completed his undergraduate degree at Connecticut College and the University of Sydney, and his master’s degree in Curriculum and his 6th year in Administration at the University of Connecticut. In 2008, Dr. Menzo received his doctorate from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Menzo started his career as an eighth grade language arts teacher in Willimantic. After completing his master’s degree, he was appointed assistant principal and principal of Silas Deane Middle School in Wethersfield. Dr. Menzo was named Superintendent of the Marlborough Public School District in Connecticut in 2005 and Superintendent in the Wallingford Public School District in 2009.
Dr. Menzo is committed to engaging community and staff in the development of a mastery-based learning approach for all students. Most notable among the accomplishments under his leadership are the 21st Century Innovation Team — a sabbatical program for teachers fully funded by local businesses, STEM Town Wallingford, and the employment pipeline programs. Key to Dr. Menzo’s success have been his community partnerships and passion for improving learning opportunities for students, staff, and parents.
In addition to its college programming, Goodwin operates two public inter-district magnet schools in partnership with LEARN. Connecticut River Academy is an early college high school (grades 6-12) with a sustainability theme focusing on environmental science and advanced manufacturing. Riverside Magnet School for Pre-K3 through grade 5 employs the student-centered Reggio Emilia philosophy of education.
To learn more about the magnet schools at Goodwin University, visit www.goodwin.edu/magnet-schools.
Information about LEARN can be found at www.learn.k12.ct.us.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.