At a special meeting on June 10, 2021, the Salem Board of Education appointed Brian Hendrickson its new Superintendent of Schools, effective August 3, 2021. Mr. Hendrickson began his career teaching Social Studies at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull from 2005 to 2010. Brian then spent five years in Naugatuck, as principal first at Hop Brook Elementary School, then at City Hill Middle School. Brian then became Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Suffield and then in Ellington, where he is at the present time.
Salem Board of Education Chair Sean Reith said, “The Salem Board has taken the search for a new superintendent very seriously, starting soon after we learned that our current superintendent, Joseph Onofrio, would be retiring next year. We began in January with a study of the district’s structure and invited the participation of the whole Salem community in defining what we were looking for in a new leader. Once we understood the structural and educational needs, we spread the net wide in our search for candidates. We were really impressed with the caliber of our applicants and had some tough choices to make. Brian rose to the top of that very talented field, given his expertise in curriculum, his ability to support student and staff growth, and his warmth. The Salem Board believes that Mr. Hendrickson brings the right mix of skills to the unique challenges in Salem and will effectively prioritize student achievement, educational growth, and fiscal responsibility as the new Superintendent of the Salem School District.”
Mr. Hendrickson received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fordham University, his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School, his teaching certificate from Southern Connecticut State University, and his “Sixth Year” administrative preparation from the University Connecticut where he also completed the Executive Leadership Program.
“The opportunity to lead a K-8 school district that values trust, communication, efficient operations and collaboration within the school and in the greater community resonates with my core values, experience, and skillset,” Mr. Hendrickson said. “As a public school leader, my major focus has been - and will continue to be - maximizing outcomes for all students.” Mr. Hendrickson and his family reside in Noank.
The Salem Board was guided in its study of administrative structure and the search by CABE Search Services. Consultants gathered perspectives from many stakeholders before writing the Structure Report and Leadership Profile which guided the Board in its search for a new leader.
