Evette Avila was unanimously elected as Valley Central’s next Superintendent by the Board of Education who were impressed with her extensive experience with all aspects of District operations and administration spanning more than 30 years. Her tenure as Valley Central Superintendent began January 2023.
Ms. Avila brings a wealth of education experience from the administrative and teaching realms to the superintendent role. She most recently served as Chief of Schools at Hartford Public Schools.
Ms. Avila has had the opportunity to lead statewide and nationally through the Connecticut LEAD Program, School Leaders’ Network, McGraw Hill and the NYC iZone Program.
She has fostered partnerships with local organizations to promote student wellbeing and has empowered the use of current research to impact student success. Ms. Avila has taught various grade levels in both public and private schools and has also served in various administrative roles. She has provided counseling , conducted professional development and implemented district initiatives.
Ms. Avila has led systemic and sustainable change by building organizational capacity, trust and effectiveness to increase the quality of education for all students and create a culture of achievement that embeds equity and celebrates progress.
Evette Avila believes these core values are at the center of her work in developing a positive culture for teachers and administrators:
- Students are always the number one priority and lie at the center of decision making.
- Everyone in the organization is a leader and should be empowered to utilize their skill set for the advancement of the school district.
- Maintain a commitment to excellence and equity so that all students successfully achieve and successfully contribute to this ever changing complex world.
As the Superintendent of the Valley Central School District, Ms. Avila strives to create a safe and innovative environment where students are motivated to think critically, communicate effectively, and achieve excellence. She embraces the VC motto; Loyal, Progress, Serve to support our students in successfully achieving and significantly contributing to this global, complex changing world.
Meet Evette Avila
VC Superintendent: January 2023
Chief of Schools, Hartford Public Schools 2017-2022
Responsible for operations and achievement: 39 schools, Alternative Programs, Adult Education, Gifted/Talented Program. 17,500 students, 3,400 staff, $426M budget.
Connecticut DOE/ Partners for Educational Leadership 2014-2017
Facilitated systemic school improvement for 43 turnaround schools across Connecticut
NYC Regional Director 2012-2015
School Leaders Network- Supervised NYC facilitators and developers of professional learning for 90 principals concentrating on impact of leadership on student achievement.
McGraw Hill, Nat’l Director of Professional Development 2010-2014
Supervised professional learning program for comprehensive digital program
Principals/Assistant Principal, 1993-2010
Ridgeway Elementary School, White Plains, NY
PS 5, New York, NY
Significantly increase student achievement, parent involvement, developed native language institute for bilingual students,founded Newcomer center for ELL students, instituted autistic program
Adjunct Instructor 2011-2018
University of Connecticut 2014-2018
Westchester Community College 2011-2012
Teacher/Counselor 1985-1993
PreK-5th grade teacher/6th-8th Math/Science
Guidance/Milieu Counselor K&1,2 to HS
EDUCATION
School District Leadership Advanced Degree
College of St. Rose, Eastchester NY, 2014
MA, Education Administration
Principal’s Institute, Bank Street College NYC 1993
MSW, Social Work
Fordham University, NYC 1993
BA, Psychology/Education
Hunter College, NYC, 1987
Learn more about the Superintendent here
Moving Forward at Valley Central
The Office of the Superintendent is supported by the Central Administrative Team.
Marianne Serratore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
We are excited about continuing our work with administrators, teachers, and staff to provide outstanding academic and extracurricular programs and to give our students the best opportunity for success academically, socially, and emotionally. We are eager to offer relative professional learning opportunities to all Valley Central team members to assist them in growing in their professional capacity.
This office oversees all aspects of academic instruction including social emotional learning, extracurricular activities, scheduling of students, special education, alternative programs, health and support services programs and UPK.
William Miller, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
As we rebound from the COVID pandemic, we look forward to continuing to hire knowledgeable and dedicated staff members in all our departments who mirror the students and community we serve.
This office oversees the hiring of all district employees, employee scheduling, substitute procurement, employee record keeping, contract negotiations, and all personnel issues.
Brad Conklin, School Business Official
We seek to continue to balance the educational requirements of our students with the resources of the community and state as we safeguard the financial stability of the district while maintaining and improving our facilities for the current and future use of this community.
This office oversees all financial aspects of the District, including Budget development/presentation, compliance with State requirements, Accounts payable and receivable, preparation for Audits, both internal and external, Payroll and benefits, Contract negotiation assistance, Transportation, Buildings and Grounds Operation and Maintenance, and Technology Implementation and Infrastructure.