New Asst. Superintendent: 'I Will Continue to Be an Advocate for the Arts'

Avon's new assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, Donna Nestler-Rusack was the first of her siblings and 50 first cousins to go to college out of four that have gone.

She became involved in the field of education partially because of that milestone, to help kids see that possibility is there for them too, no matter what their background is.

"I want to ensure all students have the opportunity to be who they want to be and reach their potential," Nestler-Rusack said.

Nestler-Rusack, who grew up in New York state and is currently a North Granby resident, comes to the district from West Hartford Public Schools, where she has been administrator for district improvement in West Hartford since 2008. Prior to that, she was assistant principal at King Philip Middle School from 2001 until then. Before that, she was a school administrator at Torrington Middle School from 1999 to 2001.

"I am thrilled," Nestler-Rusack said. "Avon is a well known, high performing district known throughout the state. Connecticut is small. You know which towns really value education."

She will join the district at a time where many changes are happening.

"I'm not the type who brings in change for change sake," Nestler-Rusack, noting that she looks to become accustomed to the district's current practices and work with her colleagues to come to decisions that fit Avon.

For instance, "common core" state and national standards are being implemented in Connecticut schools to increase the "rigor" of academics at all grade levels in math and language arts, specifically. Avon, like the rest of Connecticut schools, is also adjusting to follow the state's secondary school reform plan to create individual student learning plans, among other requirements, she pointed out. are also working toward "college to career readiness" in its strategic planning.

"If those three things align and become embedded in practice here, the more the district will go from very good to great," Nestler-Rusack said.

Nestler-Rusack, who worked in the music program at Manchester Public Schools from 1988 to 1999, finds value in extracurriculars and the arts. She said that often times in school districts, eliminating those programs become the "quick fix."

"I will continue to be an advocate for the arts," she said. "It's important for students to be full and well rounded.

Her start date is currently being negotiated, but Avon Public School officials wrote in a press release Tuesday that she will begin in early 2012.