The Suffield Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew H. Dunbar as the new Superintendent of the Suffield Public Schools, effective July 1, 2024.
Mr. Dunbar emerged as the unanimous choice based on his knowledge, extensive experience and potential for success in leading Suffield Public Schools. The Board was particularly impressed with his accomplishments in establishing collaborative partnerships, his leadership in staff development, his experience with budget and facility planning and his commitment to enhancing district communication.
Mr. Dunbar has been a Connecticut educator for over 30 years and is currently Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Personnel for the Glastonbury Public Schools. His career in education began as a teacher in Pomfret and continued in Berlin where he served as both a middle and high school social studies teacher. From 2001 to 2012, Mr. Dunbar served in roles of increasing responsibility in Glastonbury as an Administrative Intern, Assistant Principal and eventually the Principal of Glastonbury High School. His service as Assistant Superintendent for Glastonbury Public Schools began in 2012.
The new superintendent received a Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College (Amherst, MA), a Master of Arts in Education from University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI), and a Sixth-Year Diploma in Education and Superintendent Certification from the University of Connecticut.
Superintendent-elect Dunbar stated, “I am honored and excited for the opportunity to join the Suffield community. I look forward to working with all staff to serve students and families.”
Board of Education Chair Maureen Sattan shared the following, “The Suffield Public Schools Board of Education is very excited to announce Matthew Dunbar as our new Superintendent. Mr. Dunbar has extensive leadership experience and an intrinsic ability to develop collaborative relationships in an environment of continuous improvement. He believes in the promotion of high-quality teaching while providing our students with tremendous educational and extracurricular opportunities.
“During the rigorous interview process, Mr. Dunbar shared an authentic desire to connect with all stakeholders within the district and wider Suffield community. The Suffield Board of Education is looking forward to working with Mr. Dunbar in collaboration with our strong SPS leadership team as we strive to improve education for all of our students.”
The New England School Development Council (NESDEC) of Marlborough, MA assisted the Suffield Board with the search process. Mark Winzler and Christine Syriac served as the search consultants.