Mansfield, CT June 30, 2023 – Mansfield Public Schools Superintendent Peter Dart has announced that the district has hired Kate McCoy as the Mansfield Elementary School (MES) Principal.
Ms. McCoy has served as an educator and leader in Connecticut for 23 years. For the past twelve years, she has worked for New London Public Schools as an English Language Arts Teacher, STEM School Leader, District Supervisor, and most recently, Assistant Superintendent for Magnet Program Development and Operations. In addition, she worked as a Literacy Interventionist and Middle School ELA Teacher in Hartford and West Hartford.
In a letter to staff and families, Superintendent Peter Dart shared, “Ms. McCoy is a talented educator who is a passionate advocate for equity, family engagement, instructional leadership, and children. As a systemic leader, she embraces the best practices of Mansfield that includes 21st century learning and professional learning.”
The district posted the opening widely and the search was supported with survey and focus group feedback from community members, staff, families, and students that helped to identify the desired skills, dispositions, and experiences for the next principal. A committee comprised of teachers, families, Board of Education members, and administrators reviewed applications, identified candidates, and conducted several interviews, which included performance tasks.
Ms. Kate McCoy holds a Bachelor’s of the Arts in History and Environmental Studies from Kenyon College, a Master of Science degree in Education, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from University of New England in Literacy and Educational Leadership. She continued her studies at UConn completing the Executive Leadership program in 2018.
Superintendent Dart says, “Ms. McCoy was selected as the strongest candidate who grasped the complexity of our transition into Mansfield Elementary School and how to best support our community as we continue to grow MES. Mansfield Elementary School is a new school that has the combined traditions, histories, and practices of our past."
He adds, “I would like to thank the members of the interview teams and staff who supported the process during the last several weeks of school. In addition, I am grateful to all who participated in the community surveys and focus groups that guided our search.”
Ms. McCoy will start in the district on Monday, July 17. The district began their work to fill the position when Principal Lauren Rodriguez announced her plan to leave the district effective June 30.