Jeffrey R. Newton ’13 ELP, superintendent of East Lyme Public Schools for the past 10 years, is known for his unwavering commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and community engagement. That commitment led to his selection as the 2026 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS). During a ceremony at the annual CAPSS Convention in November, Newton was recognized as a leader whose influence and character have shaped not only his district but also the broader landscape of education in Connecticut.

“I would like to reiterate my excitement about being named the 2026 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year,” said Newton in his acceptance speech. “While this award has my name on it, it is truly a reflection of the collective effort, dedication, and heart of the entire East Lyme school community.”

Newton is the third consecutive UConn Neag School of Education alum to earn the honor, following Christine Carver ’91 (ED), ’97 MA, ’09 Ed.D. in 2025, and Joseph Macary ’94 (CLAS), ’05 ELP, ’16 Ed.D. in 2024.

Newton’s path to the honor began months earlier with a nomination initiated by CAPSS. The application process required detailed responses about his leadership philosophy and accomplishments, along with a short video explaining why he was deserving of the award. A committee of former superintendents and education leaders reviewed applications and selected finalists based on their commitment to excellence and impact on their districts.

The CAPSS Superintendent of the Year process itself, Newton says, mirrors the complexity of the role.

“There are significant questions, especially around board relations and community connections,” Newton says. “Those areas are critical to the work of a superintendent and were focal points in the application.”

Newton says he is humbled by the recognition and emphasizes that it reflects the shared commitment of those around him.

“I think this honor really reflects the outstanding people in East Lyme,” he says. “We have a great team, and that collaborative spirit drives everything we do on behalf of kids.”

CAPSS Executive Director Fran Rabinowitz echoed that sentiment: “It is an honor to recognize Jeffrey Newton for his extraordinary leadership and impact on Connecticut’s students and educators,” she said in a press release. “Under his guidance, East Lyme Public Schools has become a model of collaborative leadership, continuous improvement, and student-centered learning.”

Collaboration has been central to Newton’s more than two decades in public education. Before coming to East Lyme, he served as superintendent of Hebron Public Schools; director of special services in Westbrook; and principal and assistant principal in Montville. His career began in a special education classroom in Norwich, inspired in part by his younger brother, who has an intellectual disability.

“That experience shaped how I see every student,” he says. “We work hard to meet the needs of every child — those with disabilities, those learning English, and students who need hands-on or pathways experiences. That commitment to equity guides all our work.”

East Lyme’s growing portfolio of career pathway programs reflects that equity-driven mindset. Determined to expand real-world learning opportunities starting in elementary and middle school, Newton has helped forge partnerships with Electric Boat, local trades organizations, businesses, and neighboring school districts. The district also offers UConn Early College Experience courses and aims to expand those offerings.

“Our students are welding, exploring the trades, earning credit through local business partnerships, and even participating in shared courses with nearby districts like Waterford,” he says. “We need to continue offering opportunities outside the traditional classroom. That’s how we help students thrive.”

Newton believes these opportunities matter just as much in smaller districts as in larger ones.

“Students can thrive anywhere,” he says. “What’s critical is building connections. Even though East Lyme isn’t huge, we’ve been able to expand what we offer by partnering with others. That’s an important model statewide.”

His leadership philosophy — open communication, trust in his team, and hands-on involvement when needed — has helped establish a culture known for transparency and collaboration.

“It is an honor to recognize Jeffrey Newton for his extraordinary leadership and impact on Connecticut’s students and educators. Under his guidance, East Lyme Public Schools has become a model of collaborative leadership, continuous improvement, and student-centered learning.” — Fran Rabinowitz, CAPSS Executive Director

“You put your hands in everything, but you also need to trust your people,” Newton says. “I’ve done a good job hiring with our board, and we’ve allowed individuals to grow in their areas. That’s been a key part of our success.”

The Neag School’s Executive Leadership Program, which Newton completed in 2013, played a significant role in shaping his approach. He describes the experience as transformational, not only because of the faculty expertise but also the lifelong network it created.

“The caliber of the professors in the Neag School is outstanding,” he says. “Their leadership, experiences, and high expectations pushed us to think deeply and collaborate meaningfully.”

The cohort model left an especially lasting impact: “Having that cohort was everything,” Newton says. “We were pushed, we worked together on challenging projects, and we formed strong relationships. Years later, I can pick up the phone and call a cohort member about an issue. That sense of connection is invaluable.”

Kelly Lyman, coordinator of the Executive Leadership Program, says Newton embodies the qualities of an exceptional superintendent.

“Jeff Newton has made significant contributions not just to his school district but to the profession,” Lyman says. “Jeff is a sought-after mentor and has contributed to the development of future superintendents in countless ways. His knowledge, insights, and experience are appreciated by many.”

Newton often recommends the program to aspiring leaders: “It’s rigorous, and that’s exactly what you want,” he says. “It will drive your thinking and prepare you exceptionally well.”

Looking ahead, Newton will represent Connecticut in the National Superintendent of the Year Program through AASA, The School Superintendents Association. He has also been invited to serve on the Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for the Connecticut State Department of Education and is expected to participate in several statewide and national speaking engagements.

“It’s a lot of opportunities to collaborate and help drive education in this great state,” he says. “I’m proud of my path and humbled by this recognition. I look forward to continuing to serve East Lyme and to helping drive education forward in this great state of Connecticut.”

To learn more about the UConn Neag School of Education’s Executive Leadership Program, visit administration.education.uconn.edu.