On Monday, March 6, the Region 1 Board of Education appointed Rebecca Gaschel-Clark as the Director of Pupil Services, beginning July 1, 2023, when the position is vacated by Mrs. Martha Schwaikert. Ms. Gaschel-Clark has been employed by the Region 1 Pupil Services Department for 29 years, spending the majority of her teaching career at Salisbury Central School and has been the Region’s Supervisor of Special Education since October of 2021.
Ms. Gaschel-Clark graduated summa cum laude from the University of Hartford and subsequently began working in the Region 1 special education department in 1994. She became the teacher in the Integrated Pre-K program shortly thereafter. Ms. Gaschel-Clark obtained her Master’s Degree in 1997 from the University of Hartford and her 092 Certification in School Administration in 2017 from Central Connecticut State University. In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Gaschel-Clark has achieved many accomplishments since beginning her administrative career including, the development of Professional Learning content and activities, facilitating and managing student programming, observing and supporting teachers and responding creatively and responsibly to the fiscal demands of the position.
Mrs. Schwaikert has worked with Rebecca for over twenty-seven years and is very excited to know that she will be the next Director of Pupil Services. Mrs. Schwaikert shared that, “Rebecca has proven herself to be a proactive, creative problem-solver when it comes to educating our students with disabilities. She always brings solid ideas and suggestions to the table regarding educational, social/emotional and behavioral interventions for our PK-12 students.”
Mrs. Schwaikert also endorsed Rebecca as a truly natural leader. “People are drawn to the excitement and energy she puts into all of her pursuits around improving student outcomes. This, in combination with her experience and expertise in special education, will continue to make her a solid administrator as she embarks on her journey as the new Director of Pupil Services.”
Region 1 Superintendent, Lisa Carter echoed the sentiments of Ms. Schwaikert and added, “Rebecca is the natural choice for this position given her special education expertise, her leadership skills and her long-standing relationships with staff, parents and caregivers in the Region. I look forward to working with her in the Director role.”
Pat Mechare, The Region 1 Board of Education Chairperson stated, “I am thrilled that Rebecca has been appointed to this position. We are fortunate to have someone with her expertise and deep ties to the community.”
The appointment of Ms. Gaschel-Clark was recommended by a Region 1 Committee consisting of fifteen individuals who represented the Region 1 as well as local Boards of Education, school principals, Central Office administration and special education teachers. This same Committee will conduct a search to fill the vacated Supervisor of Special Education position.