LIFE in the classroom - Daniel Dias

Daniel Dias becomes an assistant superintendent

By Mark Jahne

Editor

Daniel Dias spent the past nine-and-a-half years as the principal of a middle school. Now he’s an administrator for an entire district.

His new official job title is assistant superintendent for human capital development. The primary focus is all things involving faculty, administrators and staff.

He is one of two assistant superintendents. Kristen Freeman oversees curriculum, instruction and assessment

Dias, 46, will lead the recruitment, retention and professional development of district staff. He will focus upon building a workforce that reflects the values of Newington and is inclusive, highly skilled and dedicated to the success of every child.

Daniel Dias, former principal of John Wallace Middle School, was promoted to assistant superintendent of schools. Photo by Mark Jahne

He replaces Stephen Foresi, who left to become superintendent of schools in Brookfield. His official starting date is March 2 but he has already established an office at NPS headquarters in Town Hall.

“This is my 20^th year [with the Newington Public Schools]. I started as a social studies and history teacher at Newington High School,” Dias said.

He taught in his native state of Massachusetts for five years before coming to town. He became the principal at John Wallace in 2017 after serving one year as assistant principal. Assistant Principal Marco Tirillo was appointed interim principal in his place.

“I’m transitioning now,” he said.

Dias spoke of his new position and the possibilities it presents. One of his goals is to empower faculty and staff so that they can in turn empower students. There are approximately 4,000 children enrolled in the Newington Public Schools and approximately 1,000 faculty and staff.

“This job gives you an opportunity to have a larger impact across the district, support people in their career paths,” he said. “A lot of the skills of being a principal transfer over here.”

He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Western New England College, a master of education degree from Westfield State College, and a sixth-year degree in educational administration and leadership from the University of Connecticut.

Dias also completed international coursework at Richmond University in London, England.

“Newington has been an amazing place to be for 20 years. There’s something special about this district,” he said. “Great relationships, great people, great families.”

Dias described himself as a strong believer in the value of education and how it can help people achieve their dreams.

“I was a history major in college and I wrote my thesis on Portuguese immigration to the United States. I grew up in a Portuguese community” with parents who are immigrants, he said. He speaks fluent Portuguese.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maureen Brummett described Dias as a “visionary administrator” who has created a legacy of leadership and innovation. She praised his work overseeing the John Wallace renovation project with “organizational excellence.”

She also pointed out his commitment to equity and community building and district leadership role in adopting restorative practices to replace traditional discipline.

“Mr. Dias is a uniquely gifted leader who understands that our greatest resource is people. His experience in leading equity efforts at the building level and his success in managing the physical and cultural transformation of John Wallace Middle School make him the perfect choice to lead our human capital development department,” Brummett said. NL