Ridgefield Educator Lands Job In New School District

SOUTHBURY/MIDDLEBURY — Region 15 Superintendent of Schools Regina Lemerich Botsford announced that Christopher Walsh has been appointed to the position of Math/Science Academic Chairperson at Pomperaug High School. This action was taken at the June12th, 2017 Board of Education meeting. His position will be effective beginning July, 2017.

Walsh is currently the Science Department Chairperson at Ridgefield High School in Ridgefied, a position he has held for the past five years while concurrently serving as an Earth Science and Biology teacher. Prior to working at the high school level, Walsh was a middle school science teacher in the Ridgefield public school system for ten years.

The position garnered 24 applications, which were vetted through an extensive process involving committees comprising teachers and administrators, officials said in a news release.

“I am very appreciative of the members of the search committee who thoroughly evaluated applicants for this position and recommended a highly qualified candidate. I am confident that Mr. Walsh will be successful working with our community and staff to continue the high standards or educational excellence for which our Math and Science departments in Region 15 are known,” said Botsford in a statement.

In addition to his administrative and teaching leadership positions, he has served as a member of district-wide curriculum teams, and designed and implemented professional development focusing on best instructional practices in science and on national science standards.

Walsh has a 6th year certificate in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental studies from Southern Vermont College.

Walsh’s educational and leadership skills at the secondary level, membership on professional development committees and student support committees, and extensive background on instructional practices in science and engineering, will serve him well in partnering with the math and science departments at Pomperaug High School.

“I am looking forward to being part of Region 15 to continue the work of providing students with rich educational experiences that foster independent thinking and promote a lifelong learning mindset,” said Walsh in a statement.

Walsh will replace Heidi Syzmanski following her appointment to the position of Assistant Principal at Pomperaug High School. He will be responsible for overseeing the math and science departments at Pomperaug High School.