Enfield Superintendent Announces Upcoming Retirement

Longtime Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Gallacher will officially retire from the town of Enfield, effective June 30, 2012.

Board of Education Chairman Greg Stokes read Gallacher's retirement letter at the conclusion of Tuesday night's school board meeting.

“My personal intention is to make my last year of service in Enfield something to be proud of,” Gallacher said in the letter. “I still have a lot of work to do in the upcoming year, but it’s time for me to go.”

Board members held an executive session to complete the superintendent’s evaluation, which began at the July 5 special meeting.

Upon return, Chairman Stokes said Gallacher received a “positive evaluation” for his “superb job through tough situations.”

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for him,” Stokes said in reference to Gallacher.

Upon his retirement date, Gallacher will have completed 44 years in education, the last 20 in Enfield. He replaced longtime superintendent Dr. Louis Mager on July 1, 1992. 

Prior to coming to Enfield, Gallacher served as a school superintendent in Iowa. He also has experience as a curriculum director, principal, and classroom teacher.

According to the school system web site, Gallacher holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Iowa, a Specialist in Education degree and a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Northeast Missouri State University, and a Master of Science in Education degree from Northern Illinois University. He is active in the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents’ Association, and a member of various local and state educational organizations. He also serves on the local United Way Board.

Among other business discussed at the meeting was a status update on the moving of Enfield’s elementary schools. The elementary principals are all relocated to their new offices, and move outs from five elementary schools should be completed as of July 12.

For the second year in a row, summer school is not conducting elementary classes, but classes for developmental pre-school, special needs, middle and senior high students are underway. Older students will end their session August 5.

Gallacher advised elementary students and parents to take advantage of the K-6 Math and Reading Departments’ on-line offerings and summer programs at the library.

An open invitation to attend the Enfield Summer Music and Theatre Arts Camp Performances was distributed at the meeting. The event is a culmination of a four-week experience that will include concert band, jazz band, world drumming, string orchestra and music theatre. The concert will take place Thursday, July 28 in the Enrico Fermi High School auditorium at 10 a.m.

The next summer Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23.