001[music] Good evening. I'd like to call special meeting of the Farmington Board of Education for Monday, October 27th, 2025 to order. And may we all rise and uh do the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you all. It's an exciting night. New business, discussion concerning the appointment of the superintendent of schools for executive session. And I would like, if I could have a motion to adjourn to executive session at 7:02 p.m. as permitted by Connecticut General Statute section 1-225A for the following purposes as allowed by section 1-200 subparagraph 6 sub paragraph A. That is the discussion concerning the appointment of a superintendent of schools
002pursuant to section 1-200 sub paragraph 6 sub paragraph A. and that the attendance of the ex executive session shall be limited to the members of the board of education and the superintendent of schools. >> Second. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Right. We're in executive session. Can I get a motion to return to public session at 7:19 p.m. >> Motion? Second. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Okay. All right. An exciting moment. First time in 16 years we've had to do this and probably only the fourth time in 40 years. >> 45. Thank you. >> Okay. Can I uh invoke my colleagues that in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-157, can I get a motion the board hereby elects
003Jess Janini to serve as a superintendent of schools for a three-year term commencing on January 5th, 2026. and further move that the board authorizes its chairperson to execute the related contract on its behalf. >> Motion. >> Can I get a unanimous second? >> Second. >> Thank you very much. Any further discussion? I'll open it up to my colleagues. >> Um so I I gave an update uh last week at our regular board meeting, but I wanted to um add some comments about the search and say some thank yous. Um the search for Farmington's next superintendent was both comprehensive and inclusive. Um the search began eight months ago with hiring with the hiring of CABE search services as our consultant and we want to extend extend our sincerest thanks to Dr. Mary Brderick and Dr. Jack
004Reynolds for their partnership, guidance, and steady support throughout this process. Um, we also want to extend our deep appreciation to Kathy Greeter, um, who retired in June yet graciously agreed to serve as interim superintendent. Her steady leadership has ensured continuity of improvement and excellence within our schools as the search continued this fall. Um, I also want to recognize and thank my fellow board members for their time, commitment, collaboration, and thoughtful dialogue throughout this process. Um, you know, we approached this work with a shared sense of purpose and pride, knowing that we were entrusted with the privilege of selecting Farmington's next lead learner, someone who will guide us to the next level of continuous improvement. We sought a candidate who is not only highly qualified to serve as superintendent in Connecticut, but who also embodies Farmington's
005long-standing tradition of e educational excellence and innovation. Among an exceptional pool of candidates, Mr. Jess Janini emerged as a thoughtful, conscientious, and student centered educator with a collaborative leadership style and a wonderful sense of humor. He distinguished himself through his deep commitment to continuous improvement and his ability to build strong, trusting relationships. His enthusiasm, integrity, and unwavering dedication to excellence make him an outstanding fit for Farmington. I am thrilled. I think we are thrilled to welcome Just Janini as our next superintendent of the Farmington Public Schools. [applause] I just want to open up if any other my colleagues would like to say anything. Don't feel like you have to, but just >> sure. I'm just super excited. We spent quite a bit of time collaborating um to make this very thoughtful decision and Jesse rose
006to the top and on behalf of myself and I owe James and Andrea part of negotiations committee we just really are just super thrilled to have you and look forward to see how Farmington continues to shape up even better and more successful than it is today. So and again want to thank Kathy. You will truly be missed. Well said. >> Yeah. No. Um, you know, echoing what, uh, Naen said, Jess, we're very, very excited to have you come to the Farmington [snorts] School District. Incredibly excited, uh, to start working with you. Um, and to seeing what what mark you make on this town and on this school district. Um, thank you, Kathy. Thank you, Jack, Mary. Um, we are incredibly thrilled to have you here tonight. So, thank you. >> Please. >> No, I was
007just going to echo everything already, but I think will be very pleased with that resulture to the next level. >> Well done over here. >> Okay. Um I just want a couple things. First, I I would be remiss. Our town chair, Joe Capara, was here to welcome you. Unfortunately, he did have a prior commitment. Um, but he he looks forward to working with you, getting to know you and uh and extends his most sincerest congratulations and looks forward, like I said, looks very happy for you. I want to make sure that Joe was recognized for that. Um, we are truly fortunate to have a leader of justice caliber joining our community. After spending the last 24 years in Avon, he brings with him a wealth of experience, beginning as a classroom teacher, growing into a
008building principal, and in the last several years serving as a respected assistant superintendent. His colleagues in Avon speak very highly of him, describing him as a dedicated ed educator who approaches challenges with innovation, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. What stands out most is his clear and compelling vision for the future of Farmington. A vision that honors our tradition of excellence while inspiring us to imagine what's possible for the next generation. He believes in collaboration, inclusion, and ensuring that every voice from students and families to teachers and community members is heard and valued. As we look ahead, we are confident that under his leadership, Farmington will continue to thrive, innovate, and grow stronger together. So, we're very, very happy to have you here today, Jess. So, with that being said, um we have a
009motion on the floor. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. CONGRATULATIONS, [applause] >> [applause] >> JESS, I am welcome. Can you come up if you want to say a few things? >> Want me to go up here? >> Wasn't sure where to go there for a minute, but we figured it out. Um, I want to start by saying thank you for uh your very kind words. Uh, and I will say for the record, uh, that was the most exciting board vote that I've ever witnessed. So, thank you. I've never [laughter] never wanted a motion to pass so badly in my entire life. I've sat through quite a few of them. But, uh, I'm deep deeply grateful to the Farmington Board of Education for entrusting me, uh, with the
010honor and responsibility of serving as your next superintendent. Uh each of you along with Mary and Jack who I see here this evening uh has been amazing throughout this entire process. Uh you truly made me feel right at home um from from the very start. You know being a public official is a thankless job many times. Uh which is why I think we'd we'd be remiss if uh we didn't recognize the board for their time and effort uh the extra evenings that you've put in over the last six plus months uh to find Farmington's next superintendent. So thank you. Hopefully everyone will [applause] join me and thank you as well. I want you to know how excited I am to lead a district that has such an outstanding commitment to excellence. I so appreciate Farmington's
011dedication to academic achievement and equally important is the commitment to ensuring every student is known, valued, and has the opportunity to grow into a successful global citizen. I've long admired Farmington's steadfast focus on continuous improvement, and I look forward to partnering with the outstanding educators, the involved families, this supportive board of education as we build upon Farming's remarkable foundation. Together, we'll continue Farmington's proud tradition of excellence and innovation, ensure we continue to serve as leaders in the educational community. In addition to the board, uh there's some individuals here with us this evening and some at home that I need to thank um because I know without them I I wouldn't be standing here in front of you. First to my wife Stacy. Uh in addition to keeping my head on straight uh and for her
012ongoing love and support, Stacy spent countless hours helping me throughout the search and selection process. Uh, in fact, after running through uh so many hours of questions uh and talking points, I got nervous she might apply for the position herself. Uh, but I am very uh happy to report that she didn't. Uh, and she's the absolute best. So, Stacy, thank you for everything. [applause] I also hope you were taking notes on some of the things they said about me earlier. She's probably wondering if you were talking about the same person. Um, [laughter] uh, to my amazing daughters, Ellie and Claire, who are here tonight. Totally thrilled. Um, excited. Uh, Ellie and Claire, you make being a dad easy. So, thank you. I'm very proud of both of you. Uh, after hearing I would be giving
013a few remarks tonight, Ellie and Cla had two requests. They said, "Dad, keep it short and don't try to be funny." [laughter] Girls, I tried my best and I've probably rewritten this thing six or seven times. But well, see, it's an older crowd, girls. They don't know the six, seven things. So, it's a little lost on them, but I did try to fit it in for you because I'm sure the I'm sure the students watching at home will be really happy that I put that in there. So, instant street cred. >> [snorts] >> Um, thank you mom and dad who are here this evening as well. Uh, you've always been a great source of inspiration and support for me but also my family. Um, just a gentle reminder, tonight is not the time or the
014place to show baby pictures or tell any funny stories from my childhood. Um, but I do appreciate you being here and I love you both. Uh, to the Avon community, its educators, students, families, and and board of education. Thank you. Avon uh has been my professional home for over 20 years. Uh it's been an honor to serve as a teacher, principal, and your assistant superintendent. To Dr. Carnomola uh and the Avon leadership team, your partnership, passion, and commitment to students have had a profound impact on me uh both personally and professionally, and I thank you for that. In closing, I'd like to say one more time how truly honored and excited I am to begin this new chapter here in Farmington. I'll end with a quote I stumbled upon recently from Peter Ducker. Um, you
015probably don't know Peter Ducker, but um, he's uh, famous in the world of like management and business and kind of really was talking about leadership, not management. Um, and Peter says, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Uh, and with that in mind, I look forward to the future we will create here together in service of our schools and our students. And I thank you. [applause] And yeah, come on down, guys. >> No, let's make him come down. >> Let's do it. >> Let's really >> Yes. Let's really embarrass them. >> You can't tell your friends that you got this new stuff. >> This is going to be better than anything they have. >> Congratulations, Yeah, I think so. Okay. All right. Thank you all colleagues. Um, and one last thing
016and I just want to say thank you Kathy again for everything you've done for us. We appreciate you and it's already been said, but thank you. >> All right, with that being said, motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. I >> I >> we're [music]