By Andreas Yilma, Staff Writer
NAUGATUCK — A teacher in the Cheshire school system will step into an administrative role in Naugatuck to help lead City Hill Middle School.
The Board of Education at its Nov. 12 meeting unanimously appointed Frank Jawidzik as an assistant principal for the middle school. Jawidzik is replacing Andrea Fonseca, who is now an assistant principal at Platt High School in Meriden.
“When I began learning about City Hill Middle School, I was excited about the possibility to work with the leadership team, staff, students and families to collaborate and contribute to the great work that is being done in the school,” said Jawidzik, a 29-year-old Southington resident who is married and has a daughter.
As of last week school officials and Jawidzik were still discussing when he would start at City Hill. The salary for an assistant principal at City Hill is $116,841 at the lowest step this fiscal year, according to the contract for school administrators.
Jawidzik is an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Dodd Middle School in Cheshire. He has taught at the school for his entire education career, which started in 2013.
Jawidzik earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and history from the University of Rhode Island, according to his resume. He earned a master’s degree in special education from Fairfield University and his sixth year degree in educational leadership from Quinnipiac University.
Board of Education Chairman Jeff Litke said Jawidzik’s passion for children’s education made him stand out among the 77 candidates for the position.
“I can only speak for myself, but what stood out for me is Mr. Jawidzik’s enthusiasm for education, his down-to-earth attitude, his apparent joy in working with children, and his eagerness to work in our community.”
Jawidzik said he is excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with Naugatuck students and families.
“I hope to be a resource for all members of the community so that we can work together to support each and every child that comes through our school as they strive to become our vision of the graduate,” Jawidzik said. “I am thankful for this opportunity to serve in this role.”