Announcement - New Assistant Superintendent for Special Services

	WILTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 395 Danbury Road Wilton, Connecticut 06897

Kevin Smith, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools

Charles Smith, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction

Andrea Leonardi Assistant Superintendent Special Services

Maria Coleman Director, Human Resources and General Administration

Dawn Norton Chief Financial Officer

For Immediate Release

New Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Announced for Wilton Public Schools

Wilton, CT – May 1, 2025 

Following a comprehensive search and interview process, Melissa Barrett has been selected as the new assistant superintendent for special services for the Wilton Public Schools.  Mrs. Barrett currently serves as the assistant director for special services, grade 6 – age 22.  In this role, she oversees Community Steps (the district’s program for students age 18-22), the Genesis alternative program, and special services at Middlebrook School and Wilton High School.  During her six-year tenure in this role, Mrs. Barrett has proven to be a staunch advocate for students with learning differences, an innovative problem solver, and a strong relationship builder.   Prior to her current role, Mrs. Barrett served as a special education teacher at Wilton High School, providing leadership in the following groups and organizations: Wilton Youth Council, Wilton United Unified Sports, and Wilton Swag, a non-profit business that employed individuals with disabilities.  Earlier in her career, Mrs. Barrett served as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Joseph and was employed as a special education teacher in the Fairfield Public Schools.  Mrs. Barrett holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in assistive technology, and a sixth year certificate in administrative leadership.   She also holds graduate certificates in comprehensive special education and applied behavior analysis.  The four-round interview process involved a variety of stakeholders from across the district, including parents, teachers, administrators, and board of education representation.  Mrs. Barrett impressed the committee with both her commitment to improving outcomes for students and her proven record of success in the district.   She will begin her new role on July 1, 2025.