Goodwin College and LEARN, a Regional Educational Service Center based in Old Lyme, have announced the appointment of Craig Drezek as the Assistant Superintendent of Magnet Schools for Goodwin College, effective October 1, 2018. Drezek’s 23 years of experience in educational leadership include positions as Regional School District No. 6 Superintendent of Schools (Litchfield, Connecticut), president of Sacred Heart High School (Hamden), and most recently executive director of Highville Charter School (New Haven).
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 9-12) with a sustainability theme focusing on environmental science and advanced manufacturing. Riverside Magnet School for Pre-K3 through grade 5 employs the student-centered, constructivist Reggio Emilia philosophy of education. Together the schools serve 955 students from 42 cities and towns in the Hartford region, operating under the Sheff settlement in which 50 percent of students reside in the City of Hartford.
“Joining the talented and caring Goodwin/LEARN partnership, with their remarkable commitment to educating children and supporting the community, was an opportunity I could not pass up,” Drezek said. “I am excited to join the team and continue the outstanding work that has been done before me.”
Drezek will be responsible for overseeing Goodwin’s magnet schools including the creation of educational partnerships and programs with the State of Connecticut, local and regional school districts, and industry leaders. He will evaluate and develop long-term strategic goals that thoughtfully address the needs of the magnet school students, including the exploration of educational models and the development of summer camp programs.
“We look forward to welcoming Craig to Goodwin College and introducing him to the scholars and families we serve,” said Goodwin College president Mark Scheinberg. “His expertise in managing school districts will strengthen our programs, and we are fortunate to have him in this new leadership position.”
“Our magnet school community is growing faster than we could have imagined. Seeing our scholars thrive in this environment is truly rewarding and adding Craig’s knowledge to our leadership team will empower us to do even more,” observed Jacqueline Jacoby, Chair of Goodwin College Magnet Schools Board of Directors.
Dr. Eileen Howley, Executive Director of LEARN, welcomed Drezek to the LEARN and Goodwin team and called him an asset to the magnet school mission.
“The addition of this position at the Goodwin Magnet Schools reinforces the College’s ongoing commitment to integrated public education,” Howley said. “Mr. Drezek’s background and expertise make him uniquely qualified to support this robust and growing magnet program.”
Drezek’s areas of expertise include program development, grant acquisitions, and organizational growth and expansion. During his tenure, Highville doubled its seat enrollment and now provides free technology access to all students at school and home. Throughout his career in education, Drezek has been recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of major facilities projects, multi-million dollar technology partnerships, and program collaborations among public, municipal, and private industries.
To learn more about the magnet schools at Goodwin College, visit www.goodwin.edu/magnet-schools
To learn more about LEARN, visit 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.