Principal Search Updates
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FIRST DAY: Tuesday August 26, 2025. LAST DAY (subject to change): Friday, June 12 Early Dismiss
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2025
Lee H. Kellogg School Announces Dr. Andrew Deacon as New Principal
Canaan, CT – The Canaan Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Deacon as the new Principal of Lee H. Kellogg School, effective December 1, 2025. Dr. Deacon brings extensive experience in education, a student-centered approach, and a passion for fostering academic growth and community engagement.
Dr. Deacon holds a Bachelor’s in Art History from Manhattanville College, a Master’s in Elementary Education and a 6th Year Certificate in Reading and Language Arts from the University of Bridgeport, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport, and a Superintendent of Schools Certificate from Sacred Heart University.
Currently, Dr. Deacon serves at Sharon Center School as a Literacy Interventionist and Instructional Coach. Previously, he held several leadership roles, including Supervisor of Student Development & Academic Success PK–12 in Milford Public Schools, and Director of Academics & Intervention Support K–5, Assistant Principal, Literacy and Numeracy Specialist, and 4th Grade Teacher in Torrington Public Schools. His teaching experience also includes serving as a 2nd Grade Teacher at Colebrook Consolidated School and teaching French and Spanish at The Forman School.
Pat Mechare, Chairperson of the Canaan Board of Education, stated, "The Canaan Board of Education is most pleased that we have found a wonderfully qualified and warm person to be the next principal of Lee H. Kellogg School. We are confident that Kellogg will continue to grow and thrive. We look forward to a great partnership which will take our school, students, and staff to new heights, both personally and educationally."
Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent of Schools added, "Among 26 highly qualified candidates, Dr. Deacon stood out with his student-centered mindset and proven ability to connect with students, staff, and families. His knowledge of elementary literacy and best instructional practices will serve our community well. I look forward to him joining the Region 1 team and providing excellent leadership to Lee H. Kellogg School." Cady Bloodgood, Parent of Lee H. Kellogg School added, “Andrew is an enthusiastic leader, passionate about student well-being and academic success. His kind and calm demeanor and wide base of academic knowledge make him a great fit for our community. Looking forward to seeing the positive impact he will have at LHK! Welcome, Principal Deacon!”
Melissa Dean, Staff Member and School Nurse added, “It is with great excitement that we announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Deacon as new principal of Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village. After a thorough search and selection process, we are confident that Dr. Deacon's leadership, experience, and passion for student success make him the perfect choice to lead our school into the future. Andrew's goals include fostering strong relationships with our school's students, staff and community members while listening with empathy and kindness.”
Dr. Andrew Deacon, Principal added,“I am incredibly honored and deeply excited to join the Lee H. Kellogg School community as their next leader. I am truly grateful to the search committee for placing their trust in me, and I look forward to partnering with the dedicated staff, families, and students to build upon our rich tradition of personalized learning and community spirit. My commitment is to ensure every Kellogg student thrives in a kind, challenging, and supportive environment.”
The Canaan Board of Education and Region 1 leadership are excited to welcome Dr. Deacon to the Lee H. Kellogg community and look forward to the continued growth and success of the school under his leadership.
Contact: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent Regional School District #1
Email: mbrady-shanley@region1schools.org
Phone: 860-248-1231
November 3, 2025
Dear Families and Staff,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share a few important updates as we move into November.
Tomorrow evening, the Board of Education is expected to confirm the next principal of Lee H. Kellogg School. Following the meeting, we will share an official announcement on Wednesday and look forward to hosting a “Welcoming Event” with our PTO in the coming weeks. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our school community to meet and celebrate our new leader.
Throughout the month of November, Dr. Rose and I will be supporting the daily operations at Lee H. Kellogg. We anticipate beginning a formal transition period with the incoming principal toward the end of the month.
I’m also pleased to share a World Language update—our very own art teacher, Madeleine Stern will be expanding her role to include teaching French. This exciting addition will enhance our students’ early exposure to world languages and help build foundational skills in language acquisition before they enter high school.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. You can contact me directly on my cell phone at 860-248-1231 or by email at mbrady-shanley@region1schools.org.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff. It’s an exciting time for Lee H. Kellogg, and I appreciate everyone’s partnership in making this a smooth and positive transition.
Warm regards,
Melony Brady-Shanley
Superintendent of Schools
October 28, 2028
Dear Lee H. Kellogg Families and Staff,
The Principal Selection Committee is pleased to share that we have identified a finalist candidate who will be recommended to the Board of Education for approval on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Following the Board meeting, a formal announcement will be made to the community, and we will schedule a “Welcoming Event” to introduce our new principal and provide an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to connect.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the members of the Principal Selection Committee for their time, dedication, and thoughtful participation throughout this process. The committee represented all stakeholder groups, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to this important decision.
There is great excitement and optimism for the next chapter of leadership at Lee H. Kellogg School, and we look forward to sharing more news very soon.
Warm regards,
Melony Brady-Shanley
Superintendent of Schools
October 22, 2025
Dear Lee H. Kellogg Families and Staff,
The Principal Interview Committee met last night and completed the second round of interviews. We’re excited to share that two finalists will be moving forward in the process. We anticipate wrapping up the final steps next week, with a potential recommendation for hire at the Board of Education meeting on November 4th. Once a candidate has been confirmed, we will certainly set up a "welcoming" event.
We truly appreciate the ongoing support of our Kellogg community throughout this process and look forward to sharing more updates soon.
Warm regards,
Melony Brady-Shanley
October 17, 2025
Dear Lee H. Kellogg Staff and Families,
I wanted to take a moment to update you on the search process for the next principal of Lee H. Kellogg School. Last week, we concluded the first round of interviews, during which we met with ten highly skilled and talented candidates.
The search committee has selected five individuals to advance to the second round of interviews, which are currently underway and will conclude by the middle of next week. Following this, the committee will proceed with a final round of interviews to determine the candidate that will move forward to the Board of Education.
I will continue to keep you informed as the process moves forward.
Warm regards,
Melony Brady-Shanley
Superintendent of Schools
September 28, 2025
Dear Lee H. Kellogg Families and Staff,
As you are aware, Mrs. Calo has announced her resignation from Lee H. Kellogg School. Her last day with us will be October 31, 2025. We wish her the very best as she begins this next chapter.
My goal is to ensure consistent communication and a smooth transition throughout this process. To that end, a comprehensive 13-member search committee has been established. This committee represents parents, staff, community members, Central Office, and the Board of Education.
The following timeline has been established for the principal search process:
September 29, 2025 – Applications close
Week of September 29, 2025 – Applications reviewed
Week of October 6, 2025 – First-round interviews
Weeks of October 13 & 20, 2025 – Second-round interviews
Week of October 27, 2025 – Finalist interviews
We anticipate presenting a candidate to the Board of Education for confirmation at the Tuesday November 4, 2025 meeting.
Beginning November 3, 2025, Dr. Jeanine Rose and I will provide leadership coverage at Lee H. Kellogg School until the new principal is in place. Once the new principal is appointed, a comprehensive transition support process will be implemented to ensure a smooth and positive transition for students, staff, and families.
Throughout the process, I will keep our greater community apprised by posting regular updates on our school website.
Thank you for your support and partnership as we move forward in selecting the next principal of Lee H. Kellogg School.
Sincerely,
Melony Brady-Shanley
Superintendent of Schools
October 2, 2025
Good Afternoon Staff and Families,
Attached you will find the results of the Principal Characteristics Survey. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts and perspectives. Your input is an important part of the process and will help guide us in selecting the next leader of Lee H. Kellogg School.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
With appreciation,
Melony Brady-Shanley
Superintendent
Principal Characteristics Results
Lee H Kellogg Principal Survey Results.pdfPage updated
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