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New Milford Board unanimously appoints Danielle Shanley as superintendent
Summary
The New Milford Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Danielle Shanley as superintendent under a five-year contract. The board said it interviewed two candidates, posted the vacancy internally and online, and obtained required approval from the executive county superintendent.
The New Milford Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Danielle Shanley as the district—s superintendent, approving a five-year employment agreement the board said the executive county superintendent has already approved.
Board members said the district received two applications for the vacancy, interviewed both candidates and selected Shanley by unanimous vote. Board attorney Vidi Pera told the meeting the only legal obligation before hiring a superintendent is to obtain approval of the employment contract from the executive county superintendent; Pera said the district met that requirement and met contractual posting obligations under its collective negotiations agreements.
Board President Andrews said the vacancy was posted internally and on the district website and that the board encouraged all qualified candidates to apply. The board—s roll call recorded nine affirmative votes: Mr. Albert; Nicole Dunn; Jay Levine; Ms. McSweeney; Ms. O—Brady; Ms. Ryan; Mr. Steele; Vice President Gomez; and President Andrews.
Shanley—s employment agreement covers 2021 through 2026, the board said. The contract specifies a first-year salary of $215,000 and 2 percent increases in each subsequent year. Board counsel said the contract contains no merit-bonus provisions.
Members and speakers discussed process and transparency during a public Q&A. The district said there were no limitations on who could apply and that the board—s unanimous decision reflected the panel—s judgment about the best candidate for the position. The board also said staff would follow up with residents who submitted written questions and that the incoming superintendent would contact people who asked for follow-up information.
Danielle Shanley, who addressed the meeting after the vote, said she looked forward to returning to the district. "This is a dream position for me," Shanley said in remarks to the board and the audience.
The board—s action completes the hiring steps discussed at the meeting: internal and public posting, candidate interviews, the board vote and the required approval by the executive county superintendent. Shanley is expected to assume duties in September, the board said; the district will provide further details on transition steps and operational briefings in the weeks ahead.
