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Schools Leader Focuses on Region 9

Superintendent Michael Cicchetti commutes an hour each way between his Farmington home and the Region 9 central office in Easton. But he puts the time to good use.

"I think through my priorities so when I actually arrive at the office, I'm ready to go," said Cicchetti, who took over the school district covering Easton, Redding and Region 9 in January. "And on my way home, it gives me a chance to reflect on either a board meeting or some work I've done with students or a parent meeting."

Cicchetti brought an extensive resume to the job, having worked as superintendent in Berlin, assistant superintendent in Simsbury, elementary school principal in New Britain and director of elementary and secondary education in Wethersfield.

Before his days as a principal, Cicchetti taught what he loves: music.

"I don't have much time for music in my life anymore ... but the place for my music has really been with my daughter, who has studied violin since she was in second grade," said Cicchetti, who taught music in Farmington for eight years. His daughter, Sarah, is studying abroad as a junior in college. "Even though she's not majoring in music, it was a very important part of her life and I used to work with her every night. ... That's where I found a place for my music."

He is pleased he made the transition from teaching to administrative positions.

"What I like most about this job is being able to spend time in the schools and to observe students learning and teachers teaching and having conversations about that whole process," said Cicchetti, who said goals for this year include aligning the curriculum and improving communication. "Working with our parents and board members and community members and just really immersing myself in the two towns and the three school districts, so that I become just one more adult who is trying to help us help students be successful."

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