Simsbury Board accepts principal’s retirement, two resignations and nonrenewal of one one‑year contract

The Simsbury Board of Education on a voice vote accepted the retirement of Beth Hennessy, principal of Central School, effective June 30, 2025, and approved the resignations of two teachers and the nonrenewal of a one‑year contract for a teacher hired to cover a maternity leave.

Hennessy announced her retirement in April after 18 years in the district, including 11 years as Central School principal. The board acknowledged her years of service and congratulated her. The board also accepted the resignations of Anna Connolly, a first‑grade teacher at Central School, and Claudia Supernat (identified in the meeting as a special education teacher at Tooton Hills School), both effective June 30, 2025.

Separately, the board approved a motion to nonrenew the contract of Rachel Casper, who was hired this year to cover a maternity leave at Tarafel School; the nonrenewal is effective June 30, 2025. Presenters said Casper was hired on a one‑year contract with the understanding that the position was temporary; staff said there is a separate upcoming maternity leave at Terrafel/Tarafel School and the district hopes to rehire Casper when that vacancy occurs.

Board members moved and seconded each item and voted “aye” on the motions. No recorded tallies by name were provided in the meeting transcript; the actions were presented and approved during the meeting.

The motions approved at the meeting included formal language directing the superintendent or designee to advise affected employees in writing of the board’s actions.