Schools get a new leader

Michael Lucas hired as superintendent

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Members of the Board of Education were saddened when Superintendent of Schools Dr. Enza Macri announced that she would retire at the end of this academic year. But they are also confident that they have selected the right person to replace her.

A special meeting was held the evening of June 1 to officially sign a contract with new superintendent Michael Lucas. He was selected after an extensive search conducted with the assistance of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education.

Michael Lucas is the new superintendent of the Cromwell Public Schools. (Jahne)

Lucas brings more than three decades of experience in public education and a record of student-centered leadership, academic improvement and community engagement. He currently serves as superintendent of the Oxford, Mass., Public Schools, where he has led the district since 2021. Prior to that he spent 28 years in the Tantasqua Regional School District as a teacher, coach, program director, energy manager and principal of Tantasqua Regional Senior High School for 12 years.

That district serves Sturbridge, Mass., and four surrounding towns. A news release from CABE and the school board stated that Lucas “distinguished himself as a visible, thoughtful and collaborative leader who places students at the center of every decision. His educational philosophy closely aligns with the values expressed by the Cromwell community including strong relationships, transparent communication, high expectations for students, and a commitment to supporting staff and families.”

As superintendent in Oxford, Lucas strengthened family and community engagement through a visible presence in schools and at community events. He expanded academic opportunities through Advanced Placement offerings and participation, launched four career pathway programs at the high school level and implemented a districtwide multi-tiered system of support framework for grades K–8.

During his tenure the district also enhanced school climate and culture through strategic hiring, mentorship of administrators, and expanded social-emotional supports for students. He also brings extensive experience in budget development and fiscal management, overseeing a $22 million district budget while working collaboratively with school committees and community constituents to align resources with district priorities.

“In every educational role I have been guided by asking and striving to answer what is best for students? My personal belief is that it is vital for a leader to be present and visible in the hallways, in the classrooms and in the community,” he said.

The news release further stated that the Board of Education was impressed by his emphasis on relationship-building, instructional leadership and long-term commitment to district growth. They also liked his experience leading districts similar in size to Cromwell, combined with his leadership style and understanding of teaching and learning.

“Michael Lucas demonstrated throughout the process that he is a collaborative, student-focused leader who values strong relationships and community engagement,” board Chairperson Alyssa Goduti said. “We are confident that his experience, integrity and vision will serve the Cromwell Public Schools exceptionally well as we continue building on the district’s many strengths.

“We had a pretty intense and really amazing search process. We had tremendous interest in our town” from numerous candidates, she added. “We are so impressed with his 28 years of experience in education. He’s going to be great for our town.”

Goduti said what impressed board members the most was how he focuses on doing what is best for the students.

“I really felt like we were talking about kids. It was student centered,” Lucas said of the interview process. “I’m very excited to come here. Thank you for this opportunity.”

He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Fordham University and a master of arts degree in teaching from Boston College. He also served for more than two decades as head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis programs at the College of the Holy Cross.

He was named administrator of the year in 2016 by the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils and in 2025 he was honored as a distinguished alumnus by the Worcester Educational Development Foundation.

Lucas succeeds Dr. Enza Macri, who has led the district for the past seven years. During her tenure, Macri guided significant advancements in curriculum, expanded student support services, and oversaw construction of the new middle school and central office facilities, among other accomplishments.

Goduti said she repeatedly implored Macri to stay but had to respect her desire to move into the next chapter of her life. She is confident Lucas will be an ideal fit for the job.

His first official day with the district will be July 27. Woodside Intermediate School Principal Ramsey Binnington is serving as the interim superintendent until then. CL