This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
07/07/2020 12:00 AMThe contract for Patrick Stirk, superintendent for North Haven Schools, was up for renewal in March, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Education (BOE) was unable to hold his evaluation and vote on his contract renewal at the time. On June 29, the BOE met in executive session and voted unanimously to renew Stirk’s contract through March 2023.
“I am truly excited to continue my tenure as superintendent in North Haven,” said Stirk. “The rewards of this position are endless when working with dedicated students, supportive parents, and educators who lead with their hearts and always put students first. It is an honor to be part of this community.”
Though Stirk was new to the position of superintendent when he was hired on March 4, 2019, he was familiar with the North Haven school district. Prior to being hired as superintendent, Stirk served as principal of Ridge Road Elementary School for four years.
By the end of his first year as superintendent, the COVID-19 pandemic was just ramping up, derailing the remainder of in-person learning at schools throughout the world. Anita Anderson, chairperson of the BOE, reported the she and the rest of the BOE members have been impressed with Stirk’s performance, before COVID and during the pandemic.
“He’s doing an exceptional job,” said Anderson. “He has great leadership skills, open communication, and is not afraid to make changes. He has a great relationship with town government and respect for the community as a whole. We’re really proud to have him as a superintendent.”
With Stirk’s contract in place for the next two years, he, the BOE, and the district continue to focus on the reopening of schools. A committee has been formed that includes BOE members, teachers, administrators, and more. The committee will examine the state recommendations and how they can be implemented in North Haven schools.
“We’ll be coming together to look at schools and how we can follow the recommendations and guidance from the state,” said Anderson. “The information is constantly changing so that’s our focus right now—how do we go back to school?”