Submitted by Jennifer Favalora, RSD 17 Board of Education Vice Chair
(May 15, 2025) — The Regional School District 17 Board of Education has appointed Paul Smith to be Interim Superintendent of Schools following the resignation of Jeff Wihbey. Smith will take over the job on July 1, 2025.
Smith brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education. He holds degrees from Boston University, the University of Rochester and the University of Connecticut. From 2016 to 2024, Smith served as Superintendent of Schools in East Hampton where he was committed to focusing on a culture of compassion as the cornerstone to an ambitious vision of excellence for all children. He also has served as Superintendent of Schools in Bolton and Griswold.
A presenter at the annual New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Annual Conference and the Showcase of Model Programs, Smith was the recipient of the NEASC 2020 and 2023 Service Award and the NEASC Jacob Ludes III Leadership Award. He regularly leads accreditation visits of high schools in New England and has served on the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) Board of Directors as well as serving as Chairperson of the Middlesex/Shoreline Superintendents Association. Prior to serving as Superintendent in East Hampton, Smith began his career as a music teacher and band director and later as a high school principal.
He is married to Dr. Jacqueline Smith, a specialist in music education for students with special needs and a lecturer at Boston University. The Smiths have two grown children. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Smith to RSD 17 and look forward to his leadership as we begin the search for our next superintendent.
In addition, the Board of Education wishes to recognize the RSD17 staff for their continued dedication through this transition, and we thank our community families for their partnership with us to support their students.
