Jan Verderame Named Next Principal of Derynoski Elementary School

The decision was made for Karen Smith's replacement Tuesday night as the Board of Education hired Jan Verderame as the next principal at the Derynoski Elementary School.

Board members wanted to put someone in place before the end of the school year for many reasons, one of which was having the school staffed up in time for September.

Karen Smith will be moving on to serve as Assistant Superintendent for the district on July 1, replacing Howard J. Thiery who resigned in April to take the  position of Superintendent in East Haddam-Killingworth.

"The application pool and search for candidates took about six weeks from the initial advertised post," said Joseph V. Erardi Jr., Superintendent of Schools.

Following a four level process where screening by the Board of Education committee members, parents and staff of teachers and administrators, 11 candidates were considered and ultimately four were in the running.

"All we needed is one, and we're very happy with the choice," Erardi said.

Verderame currently works at Derynoski as vice principal, a role she has held for three years. Additionally, Verderame serves on the community leadership team of Activate Southington, a town wide initiative dedicated to improving the health and wellness of its residents.

She will make $123,585 in her new role, board members said.


"Jan possesses a familiarity of the school and community at large. The transition will be smooth," Board Chairman Brian Goralski said.

Smith requested to fulfill the remainder of the school year at Derynoski Elementary when she accepted the Assistant Superintendent position.

"I'm delighted with the board's choice. I've worked with Jan for three years and she's very prepared and does an excellent job. She knows the school well.  I'm also excited in looking forward to working with Jan in a different capacity," said Karen Smith.