Weston Board of Education unanimously appoints Deborah Lowe as acting superintendent

The Weston Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Deborah Lowe as acting superintendent of schools effective March 28 through the earlier of June 30, 2025, or the start date of a new superintendent, pending approval from the Connecticut commissioner of education.

The appointment came during a special virtual meeting called after Superintendent Barbiero was placed on medical leave and announced plans to retire in June. The board said it has been conducting an active search for a permanent superintendent and expects an update from its search team at a meeting Thursday.

Board Chair Steven Ezis read a resolution that named Lowe for the short-term role and asked for a second; the motion passed unanimously. The board also approved a second motion authorizing Ezis and board member David Felton to negotiate and execute an agreement, including appropriate compensation, for Lowe’s service; that motion also passed unanimously.

In a statement read to the meeting, the board described Lowe as a Weston resident since 2022 with extensive Connecticut experience. The statement said Lowe served as superintendent of Richfield Public Schools from February 2007 until her retirement in 2015, was principal of Wilton High School from 1998 to 2004, and served as an assistant superintendent for the Wilton Public Schools from 2004 to 2007. The board also said she has served on the executive board of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and as president of the Southern Fairfield County Superintendent Group.

Ezis said the district had interviewed multiple candidates and that Lowe will act “as the captain of the ship” during the transition, meet district administrators and visit schools with district staff. Board members said they would arrange an in-person meeting to introduce Lowe to the full board and offered to support her transition. The board said Tina and Tracy, district administrators referenced in the meeting, have been notified and are supportive.

The board repeatedly described the appointment as short term while the superintendent search continues; it told the public the search team will provide an update Thursday and said the timetable for a permanent hire could reach June or July depending on contract timing at candidates’ current employers.

Votes at a glance: 1) Appointment of Deborah Lowe as acting superintendent, effective March 28, 2025, through the earlier of June 30, 2025, or the start of a new superintendent; subject to approval by the Connecticut commissioner of education — motion seconded (not specified), outcome: approved unanimously (7–0). 2) Authorization for Board Chair Steven Ezis and board member David Felton to negotiate and execute terms of Lowe’s agreement, including compensation — motion seconded (not specified), outcome: approved unanimously (7–0).

Background: The board opened the special meeting at 5:33 p.m. and said the agenda was focused on appointing an acting superintendent after Superintendent Barbiero’s medical leave and planned retirement. The board emphasized continuity of operations and said Lowe will work with district staff to support the schools while the permanent-search process proceeds.