Farmington High School, Noah Wallace Principals Retiring

Dr. Timothy Breslin, Principal of Farmington High School, announced his decision to retire at the conclusion of the current school year. Dr. Breslin has served as the FHS Principal for 11 years.

Dr. Breslin’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the success of all students defined his service to the Farmington Public Schools. He has served as the Principal of Farmington High School from 2007 to 2012 and from 1997 to 2003. During his tenure many important high school improvement plans were initiated and developed including the design and improvement of a standards-based approach to teaching and learning, the initiation of rigorous high school graduation requirements, the expansion of interscholastic athletic opportunities and specific programs to support the healthy development of high school students. Dr. Breslin was also instrumental in assisting in the design and development of the 2001-2003 renovation and expansion of Farmington High School. He has brought a wide array of school leadership strengths and attributes to Farmington High School and shared a clear vision for continuing ongoing programs to prepare Farmington High School’s graduates for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.

Superintendent Greider states, “Dr. Breslin's thoughtful approach and expert leadership will be deeply missed by the all members of the Farmington school district. His unwavering dedication and care for the students and faculty of Farmington High School has been a true gift to the Farmington community. Since the moment I met Dr. Breslin, it was clear that the students and faculty of Farmington High School held a very special place in his heart. He has been on the sidelines cheering on his students, in the hallways greeting students and always present in his students’ greatest time of need and celebration. Farmington has been very fortunate to have such a caring and gifted individual leading our high school. Dr. Breslin has had a distinguished career and during his time in Farmington, his leadership has directly impacted the school's climate and culture as well as student outcomes. In turn, Farmington High School continues to be recognized at the local and national levels for excellence in education. On behalf of administration, faculty, students and parents, I wish Dr. Breslin the very, very best in his retirement. Dr. Breslin’s influence will remain in Farmington for many years to come.”

Dr. Breslin states, “Working with the Farmington Public School's students, parents, staff and community, has been the best part of my professional life. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work here.”

Background:

Dr. Breslin has served as the Principal of Farmington High School from 2007 to 2013 and also from 1997 to 2003. From 2003 to 2007, he served as the Principal of Litchfield High School. From 1989 to 1997, he served as Superintendent of Schools in Region 6. Previously, he served as a high school administrator for more than 12 years including the Principal of Newtown High School in Newtown, Connecticut, and the Principal of Gettysburg High School in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Dr. Breslin also served as Assistant Principal at Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Mamaroneck High School in Mamaroneck, New York, following seven years as a teacher of English and journalism at Catonsville High School in Catonsville, Maryland. Dr. Breslin earned a Ph.D. in School Administration and Supervision from Duke University, a Masters in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mount Saint Mary's College in Maryland.

Dr. Diane Cloud, Principal of Noah Wallace School, announced her decision to retire at the conclusion of the current school year. Dr. Cloud has served as Noah Wallace Principal for six years. Dr. Cloud is a well-known educational leader in the Greater Hartford area, and her contributions to school improvement with a particular emphasis in literacy are widely acknowledged by her past and present colleagues, supervisors and parents. During her tenure in Farmington, Dr. Cloud has mentored new principals and provided induction support for many new teachers. She has been instrumental in the development of a workshop model in literacy instruction and the implementation of a rigorous standards-based math program. Dr. Cloud’s vision for a challenging academic program within a nurturing and caring environment is a legacy she leaves with the entire Noah Wallace School community.

Superintendent Greider states, “Dr. Cloud’s calm presence, caring approach and strategic leadership will be greatly missed in the Farmington Public Schools. Since her arrival as Principal of Noah Wallace, the school community has experienced significant achievement growth and the school climate reflects a deep commitment to service, kindness to others and

cultural competence. Farmington has been very fortunate to have such an accomplished educator leading Noah Wallace School for the past six years. Dr. Cloud has had a distinguished career as an urban and suburban educator and leader. In each position she has held, she has had a direct impact on teaching and learning which has led to higher levels of achievement. Her care for her students has always been at the forefront of her work. Throughout her career, Dr. Cloud has held high expectations for herself as well as her faculty and students. In turn, Dr. Cloud’s influence has been significant and so many have benefited from her wise and compassionate leadership. Farmington is deeply grateful to Dr. Cloud for her generous service and inspiring leadership. On behalf of the administrators, faculty, students and parents of the Farmington school district, we wish Dr. Cloud every happiness in her retirement.”

Dr. Cloud states, “The Noah Wallace community – teachers, parents and students – have been welcoming and supportive of my vision to maintain the school’s grand traditions while moving it forward to embrace change, innovation, diversity and academic excellence. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my district colleagues. They are a savvy group that challenge and inspire the best in all of us. I hope that I can continue to maintain professional ties with Farmington’s finest.”

Background:

Dr. Cloud was appointed as Principal of Noah Wallace School in 2007. Prior to this position, she served as Director of Elementary Education in the Bloomfield Public Schools. She was the Principal of Laurel Elementary School in Bloomfield from 1997 to 2005 and the Vice Principal of Kennelly Elementary School in Hartford from 1994 to 1997. Prior to these school leadership assignments, Dr. Cloud served as a teacher at Thurman Milner School in Hartford, Program Director for Reading is Fundamental in the Hartford Public Schools, and teacher at the Renbrook School in West Hartford.

Dr. Cloud earned a Masters of Education and Doctorate in Education from Harvard University and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Central Connecticut State University along with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Elementary Education from Howard University.

Mary Grace Reed, the Chair of the Board of Education states, “The Farmington Public School system has been the fortunate beneficiary of the talents and deep commitment of Dr. Cloud and Dr. Breslin. They have been unwavering in their dedication to the mission of the Farmington Schools and passionate in their inspiration of every child who has entered the doors of their schoolhouses. The Farmington Board of Education and the Farmington community owe a deep debt of gratitude to these immensely talented principals. We are better in every way possible as a district as a result of Dr. Cloud and Dr. Breslin choosing to bring their talents to our town. On behalf of the Farmington community, we wish them well in their retirement.”

The search for a new Principal of Farmington High School and Noah Wallace Elementary School will begin immediately with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2013.

Submitted by the Farmington Public Schools.