CT Association of Schools

CAS-CIAC proudly celebrated seven extraordinary leaders whose dedication has shaped the landscape of Connecticut education and athletics. Their contributions span decades of service, leadership, and impact. Introducing the distinguished inductees of the 2026 CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor: Anthony “Butch” Azzara, Dennis Carrithers, Robert Hale, George Hall, Dr. Beth Smith, Donna Vavrinek, and Dr. Leroy Williams. @CAS_ct

Congratulations to the Meriden Leadership Academy Class of 2026! The CAS Leadership Academy provides a meaningful pathway for professional growth that results in deeper teacher engagement, a vision of highly effective leadership, and ultimately, enhanced educator retention.

2026 CANHS Leadership Conference!

The latest episode of the Linking Leaders PodCASt features Daniel Hand HS Principal T.J. Salutari. From “no interest in leadership” to 2026 High School Principal of the Year. A story—and mindset—worth hearing. Listen up! casci.ac/12828

Congratulations to Farmington High School’s Social Justice Club on 10 years of impactful work that truly matters in Connecticut. Your dedication to advocacy, awareness and positive change continues to make a meaningful difference. Keep up the great work!

The CAS College and Career Exploration Night, originally scheduled for tomorrow, February 23, has been postponed due to inclement weather. The event will now take place on March 16.

New episode released! 2026 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year Mark Summa talks about how middle school can be joyful, purposeful & transformative. From small moves to instructional rounds, hear how culture shifts when adults lead with heart. - casci.ac/12631

The Connecticut Association of Schools is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Middle & High School Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Awards. Congratulations to these outstanding administrators! To read more: casci.ac/12626

Meet CT's 2026 Middle & High School Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year—innovative leaders transforming learning communities and advancing educational excellence statewide! casci.ac/12625

Big news! We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 CT Middle & High School Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year—outstanding leaders making a difference every day! #CTEd #SchoolLeaders #PrincipalsOfTheYear

CAS was proud to host the annual Elementary Leadership Conferences, empowering students in grades 4–6 through hands-on experiences that build essential 21st-century leadership skills including creative problem solving, communication, decision-making, and productive thinking.

New episode released! Meet 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year Bryan Kerachsky and get a first-hand look at his efforts to build a culture at Skinner Road School that elevates both people and performance - casci.ac/12408

On November 21, CAS-CIAC proudly presents Women in Leadership—an interactive program designed to enhance the communication, self-management, and networking skills vital for women aspiring to roles of leadership and influence. This panel features three exceptional women leaders, Molly Qerim, Dr. Karissa Niehoff, and Dr. Lauren Young — each bringing a wealth of experience, insight, and inspiration from their journeys in leadership. Register through the link below! casci.ac/12213

In the latest episode of the Linking Leaders PodCASt, National Middle School Principal of the Year Dr. Damon Lewis shares how “Every day counts,” data drives decisions, and faith and service shape culture. What mantra(s) do you live by? Listen up! - casci.ac/12193

This afternoon, CAS proudly hosted the inaugural CT LeadHERship Collective! ✨ Attendees heard powerful reflections and inspiration from Connecticut’s top female leaders — showing how vision, voice, and vulnerability unite to elevate true LeadHERship.

This week’s Student Board spotlight shines on the CAS-CIAC Student Empowerment Advisory Board! Hear from Manas Ghanta as he shares his vision and goals for the board this year! For more information on Empowerment Day, please click the link below casci.ac/12074

Congratulations to Ms. Gellatly of Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School on being awarded the 2025 CAS-CIAC Endowment and Flanagan Grant! 🎉

In the latest episode of Linking Leaders podcast, Melissa Mucci, principal of @Somers_ES, CAS' 2025 Elementary School of the Year, shares how vulnerability became her superpower and helped her lead her school from tragedy to triumph - casci.ac/12003

Student leaders from the Student Empowerment Advisory Board, Student Athletic Advisory Board, and the State Student Advisory Council on Education came together to kick off planning for the 2025-2026 school year. The Student Board Orientation provided a valuable opportunity for these dedicated students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and lay the foundation for meaningful initiatives in the year ahead. Stay tuned for weekly “Monday Minutes” with our student boards!

👏 Big congrats to Dr. Damon Lewis, principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, named 2025–26 National Middle School Principal of the Year by @NASSP! He received the honor at the Illuminate Gala during the UNITED Conference in Seattle. 🎥 Watch the moment: youtube.com/watch?v=S_NaR5…