Principal Appointed for Farmington High School

Submitted release from Farmington Public Schools.

Superintendent Kathleen C. Greider and the Farmington Board of Education are proud to announce the appointment of Dr. William Silva as Principal of Farmington High School effective July 1, 2013. Dr. Silva will replace Dr. Breslin who is scheduled to retire on June 30, 2013. 

After a comprehensive national search, Dr. Silva was selected from a strong pool of candidates. Superintendent Greider states, “Throughout the interview process, Dr. Silva impressed all members of each interview team with his curriculum and instruction expertise, leadership attributes and deep sense of purpose. He consistently exhibited an unwavering commitment to the success of all students and an understanding of the importance of building strong relationships with students, parents, faculty and staff as well as the community. ... We are fortunate to have found such a strong leader and genuinely kind and caring individual to lead Farmington High School. It is with great pride that I introduce Dr. William Silva to the Farmington community.” 

Board of Education Chair Mary Grace Reed commended the search committee for their work in identifying such a highly qualified and compassionate educator to lead Farmington High School.

Mrs. Reed states, “Dr. Silva is a Principal who builds strong relationships with all stakeholders while ensuring an environment of academic excellence in his school. His belief that a culture of respect is critical to a successful school community is embedded in every aspect of his educational leadership. To his core, he is a highly effective instructional administrator who embraces every opportunity to share best practice with faculty and students. Dr. Silva will apply his insightful leadership style to partner with our Community in ensuring that our mission for ‘all students to achieve academic and personal excellence…’ is achieved. The Board of Education welcomes Bill to the Farmington School Community.”

Dr. Silva states, “My appointment as Principal of Farmington High School is without a doubt the pinnacle of my professional career. I am very grateful to the Board of Education and to the Superintendent for this honor, and I look forward to leading what is truly an exceptional school in the continuous improvement that is the hallmark of the Farmington Public Schools. To the students, teachers, parents and community members of Farmington High School, I cannot wait to meet you and to collaborate with you in the important work that lies ahead.” 

In his current role as Assistant Principal of Lewis S. Mills High School in the Region 10 school district, he has worked to support staff members in the areas of curriculum, professional development and instruction. One of his primary roles was in establishing a student advisory program called PRIDE which highlights respect, rights and responsibility. Dr. Silva has facilitated committee work in relation to school safety and a safe school climate. Prior to his tenure in Region 10, Dr. Silva was a Social Studies teacher, department chair and instructional resource and support teacher in Berlin, Connecticut. He was Berlin’s Teacher of the Year in 1996 and he received the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in 1997. 

Dr. Silva earned his Ph.D. and Master’s Degree from Yale University and his Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies from Amherst College. In addition, he attended the University of Hartford to acquire his Educational Leadership certification. 

Dr. Silva will begin as the Principal of Farmington High School on July 1, 2013.