Union School Principal Lynn Katz Announces Retirement

Lynn Katz, Principal of Union School, announced her decision to retire at the conclusion of the current school year. Ms. Katz has served as Union School’s Principal for thirteen years. As Principal of Union School, Ms. Katz has provided outstanding leadership for her teachers and staff. Her dedication and commitment to the success of all students defined her service to the Farmington Public Schools.   Ms. Katz has mentored countless new teachers and has provided invaluable input at the district level.  Her considerable contributions to Union School and Farmington Public Schools will continue to influence instruction and education for many years to come.

Superintendent Greider states, “Lynn Katz has served as an exemplary school leader at Union Elementary School in Farmington for over a decade.  In collaboration with her faculty, parents and students, Lynn Katz has established a strong culture of caring, excellence and high expectations. The school and district community have been fortunate to have such a caring, dedicated and skilled leader as Principal of Union Elementary School.  In addition, Lynn Katz has contributed to improvement efforts at the district level as an expert and collaborative member of the District Leadership Council.  She will be greatly missed by all members of the school and district community.”

Mary Grace Reed, the Chair of the Board of Education states, “Farmington has been fortunate to have Principal Katz leading Union School for the past thirteen years. As a result of her fine leadership, students have achieved high standards in both academic measures and in their respect for school community and one another. Ms. Katz has helped guide the district through periods of significant change in education and the faculty of Union School are better educators and leaders as a result of her direction. Lynn’s commitment to the students of Union School has been unwavering, she has been a true asset to our district and the Farmington Board of Education deeply appreciates her dedication to the Farmington Community.  

Ms. Katz states, “My thirteen years as the principal of Union School have been the most rewarding and exciting of my professional career.  Farmington is a district that values and supports collaboration at every level of the organization.  I have learned so much, working side by side with my district colleagues, passionate and skilled teachers and staff, and supportive parents.  Our students are joyful, respectful and come to school each day, eager to learn and to support each other’s learning. You can’t help but feel the warmth and love as you walk through the doors. Union School is a very special place, and it has been a privilege to serve this community. 

Background:

Ms. Katz came to Farmington with extensive and diverse experience in education. She was appointed Principal of Union School on June 18, 2001. Prior to her position as Principal of Union School, she served as a Curriculum Specialist at Henry A. Wolcott Elementary School in West Hartford from 1999 to 2001. Ms. Katz served as a classroom teacher at the Smith School of Math, Science and Technology, Norfeldt Elementary School and Morley School all in West Hartford.  In addition, Ms. Katz served as a Reading Specialist in Plainville Public Schools, Southbridge, MA Public Schools and at the Strawberry School in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. In addition to her experience in primary education, Ms. Katz taught at the post-secondary level at the University of St. Joseph and practiced law from 1987 - 1991.

Ms. Katz earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Education at the American University in Washington DC and her Masters of Science in Reading and Language Arts from the Syracuse University, Syracuse New York. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University Of Connecticut School Of Law and her 6th Year Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Hartford.

An extensive search for a new Principal of Union School will begin immediately.