Greenwich Schools Names Assistant Superintendent [VIDEO]

An educator who has led efforts to improve student performance and integrate digital technology in the classroom was appointed the new assistant school superintendent for Greenwich Public Schools Thursday.

Irene Parisi will leave her post as the director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for the East Windsor Public Schools and assume the number three leadership spot in Greenwich on Nov. 19.

Parisi said she applied for the Greenwich position because "of the diversity of the community, the need for the common core curriculum and technology. It was a good fit for me." During her tenure as curriculum director in East Windsor, she was instrumental in introducing the common core and technology to the classroom.

"We're essentially two years ahead of schedule," Parisi said. "The teachers here needed someone to energize the team. I want to be a resource for teachers and students."

Greenwich Deputy School Superintendent Ellen Flanagan who was a member of the search committee said, "It was very clear that Irene was a superstar. Her experience and real expertise with the common core and technology really sold us," Flanagan said.

Greenwich Public Schools continues to seek new programs to improve student standardized test scores and is now looking to determine how to fully implement digital technology throughout the district.

Another search committee member, North Mianus School Principal Angela Schmidt, said in a statement, “What resonates with me is her experience in all curricular areas and the fact that most of her work has been in the "trenches" planning and modeling with teachers. Most impressive was the tremendous respect she has with teachers and colleagues, and her ability to make clear how
curricula and instructional initiatives, including the Common Core will benefit students. I know we have truly hired someone who knows curriculum and instruction.”

Parisi's annual salary will be $175,000.

Parisi replaces Stacey Gross who resigned in June to become principal of the Ridgefield High School.

Parisi began teaching in 2000 at Casimar Pulaski Elementary School in Meriden as a third-grade classroom teacher, and was a fifth-grade teacher from 2003-2008. In 2008, Parisi became the literacy coach for East Windsor Middle School in Broad Brook. Since 2010, she has served as the director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for the East Windsor Public Schools. Parisi also is a member of the Board of Education in Meriden.

In the late 1990s, Parisi worked in music management as a radio personality producing the Morning Show for WMRQ in Hartford. She also worked for the Musicland Group as a Promotions Manager in Enfield.

Parisi received a bachelor's degree in music and sound recording, and music business in 1995, and a master's in education in 2007 from the University of New Haven. She received a sixth year degree in educational leadership from Central Connecticut State University in 2010.

Parisi was named an Apple Distinguished Administrator in 2011 for her work in the integration of Apple products in the schools. Much of her work with the Common Core and technology integration has been seen as a model in the State. She was asked to deliver a keynote address for secondary teachers in the North Haven Public Schools at the start of this school year, and many districts have traveled to East Windsor to discuss the transition and implementation work in these areas.

She also has been a math instructional coach with the ACES Math Science Partnership since 2006. Parisi is an author, having written the book "How to Manage an Independent Reading Program."

Parisi said she and her husband Robert, a teacher at the East Windsor High School, "will be relocating as close as we can." The couple lives in Meriden with their dog Stella.