By Kathy Brown.
Though the Regional School District #17 Board of Education signed a 3-year contract with Jeffrey Wihbey in August, Mr. Wihbey didn’t start work here until October 12, 2021.
Mr. Wihbey most recently served as the Superintendent of Schools for Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), “leading and advocating for more than 11,000 students throughout the state,” said the press release.
Mr. Wihbey began his career as a high school social studies teacher, and served as a department head before becoming a school administrator.
While working at CTECS, he loved the mission and the fantastic school system. “We worked hard at making sure kids were both college ready as well as career ready,” said Mr. Wihbey. “I was proud of everything we achieved there as a team.”
However, he did miss the traditional pre-K through Grade 12 education. “I was looking for a professional home for many years to come, not just a job,” explained Mr. Wihbey. “RSD 17 is a great school district and when the opportunity was presented to me, my wife, and my kids, we were very excited for me to come here. The work or challenge of growing a great school district to an outstanding one was an attractive challenge.”
Many people are appreciative of the fact that HKHS still has technical or “shop” classes including small engines, auto shop, wood shop. We also have a robust Engineering program called “Project Lead the Way,” where students can earn college credits while taking engineering classes at HK. When asked his thoughts, Mr. Wihbey responded, “Tens of thousands of technical jobs are coming home from overseas. Many are coming to Connecticut, particularly with defense contracting, but really in many industries. Career Technical Education (CTE) is really going to be growing everywhere in the coming years.”
Coming into a new district can be a challenge, especially a high performing one like ours. What is the strategy of a new administrator? “My first goal is to learn and understand the Haddam/Killingworth communities’ aspirations for RSD 17,” said Mr. Wihbey. “Once those aspirations are understood and transparently communicated back to all stakeholders, I want to deliver a strategic operating plan to the community. An SOP will keep us focused on what is important, and efficiently and effectively direct resources to support our community goals.”
“All of us can get better every day at anything we are working on,” said Mr. Wihbey. “I believe in the ‘growth mindset’ that espouses that no one has a ceiling. It is important for our kids and staff to work hard, have deep intellectual curiosity, and be given the proper amount of support which will always lead to growth and improvement. I have very high expectations for our students, our staff, our schools, and myself.”
Mr. Wihbey has been touring the schools and getting to know the district. On October 12, he visited HKMS, Oct. 14 he spent time at HKIS, Oct. 21, he attended the arrival of buses at BES, Oct. 25 he was at KES. And today, he will be at HKHS.
So far, Mr. Wihbey likes what he sees. “In my short time here, I have noticed very polite, well behaved, and welcoming students,” he said. ” I have also found a very dedicated educational workforce who take pride in rolling up their sleeves to make great opportunities for kids.”
“I have found a very thoughtful and caring community that has deep pride in their traditions and schools,” said Mr. Wihbey. “I couldn’t be more excited to be here with you!”
Photos by Pamela Hensel.
