52°
Smith said he was contacted about two months ago by a recruiter about the position of superintendent in the Wilton Schools. He is replacing Gary Richards, who is retiring after 10 years in Wilton.
The Wilton Board of Education approved Smith's appointment Thursday night. Wilton school board Chairman Bruce Likly said Smith was selected after a nationwide search.
Smith was named superintendent in Bethel in 2012. He was previously the principal at Bethel Middle School from 2006-12.
“It is with very mixed emotions that I write to inform you of my decision to leave Bethel Schools at the end of this school year,’’ Smith wrote in a letter Thursday to Bethel parents. “I have been extremely fulfilled in my work here in Bethel and was not looking for a different position. That being said, when presented with the opportunity, I felt compelled to explore it thoroughly. I was offered the position and after a great deal of deliberation chose to accept.”
Smith will take the reins effective July 1, Likly said.
“We are thrilled Kevin Smith is coming to Wilton and believe he is exactly the right person to lead the Wilton schools on our continued journey of academic excellence and greater achievement,” Likly said.
“Dr. Smith is committed to our vision of making Wilton one of the top performing school districts in the nation, and to ensuring that every Wilton child leaves our schools well-prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century.”
Smith, a native of upstate New York, graduated from Marist College. He also earned degrees at Seton Hall University and Fordham University.
Before coming to Bethel, Smith taught in New Jersey and was an assistant principal and principal at Sacred Heart School in the Bronx, N.Y.
He lives in Trumbull with his wife, Jennifer, and five children.
“While I am personally thrilled about the opportunity to join the Wilton community, I am also genuinely sorrowful about leaving this wonderful community,’’ Smith wrote in his letter to Bethel families.
Read more about Smith's appointment here in the Daily Voice.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.
