Students return for the 2026/27 school year: First year Superintendent Scott Hurwitz welcomes back students, staff

Photos by Glastonbury Public Schools Communications Department

By Peter Marteka

Editor

More than 5,400 students returned to school in September with opening day for those at Smith Middle School and Glastonbury High School coming back Sept. 2 and Gideon Welles and the elementary schools opening Sept. 3.

“This year marks a new chapter for our school community,” said first year Superintendent Scott Hurwitz. “New district, curriculum, and building leaders will bring fresh perspectives and renewed enthusiasm while continuing a legacy of excellence. As the new superintendent, I am honored to lead the remarkable staff in our district. I am confident we have the right people in place to help every student thrive.”

At the elementary level (K-5), there are currently 2,412 students enrolled with a total district population of 5,444 students.

“Kindergarten remains one of the most challenging grade levels to project,” assistant superintendent Russell Crist

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Crist noted that although districtwide enrollment was 27 students below projections, the numbers varied considerably by school. Buttonball registered 22 fewer kindergarten students, while the rest of the schools, combined, registered just five students fewer than projected.

“Nonetheless, in collaboration with our principals, we are confident that class sizes and the number of sections offered across the district appropriately meet student needs,” he said.

At the secondary level, enrollments were slightly below the projections. In the sixth grade, Gideon Welles School had 10 fewer students than the projected enrollment while Smith Middle School had 12 fewer students than originally anticipated. Glastonbury High School currently has 1,709 students enrolled, which is three more than projected.

Hurwitz noted the mission is to empower students to be active learners, curious thinkers, resilient individuals, and compassionate citizens – known as the “Portrait of a Learner.” The portrait was changed from “Vision of a Graduate.”

“The name was changed because graduation is merely a step in our students’ journeys. Learning, however, is lifelong,” he said. “The audience for the Portrait has also expanded to include staff as well as students and families. This is because we are ALL learning as we go. Each of us is striving to be an active learner, curious thinker, compassionate citizen, and resilient individual.”

During the summer, all school buildings underwent annual repairs and inspections. The design phase for the GHS roof replacement is underway. There were also upgrades to the pool, tennis courts, stadium track and turf field, and gymnasium floor as well as two new turf fields.

All students can receive breakfast at no cost to families. Statewide funding for the program helps ensure that all students have access to a healthy breakfast to start the school day ready to learn. Free breakfast service at Hopewell and Hebron Avenue Schools is anticipated to begin in October.

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Six Questions with new Superintendent Scott Hurwitz

Q: What drew you to the Glastonbury community?

A: I first stepped into a Glastonbury school 22 years ago as a Smith Middle School intern. About five years later, my wife and I bought our first home in town because we knew Glastonbury was where we wanted to raise our family. We loved the schools and the resources available to residents here.

Q: What do you hope every student experiences while attending our schools?

A: I hope our students feel inspired, safe, valued, and supported. I want them to feel challenged to grow academically and personally.

Q: What are your top priorities for your first year?

A: My highest priority is to build on the strong relationships across our school community. I will be listening to and learning from students, families, staff, and community members. I look forward to communicating openly as we continue making progress on our three strategic goals to shape the future of Glastonbury Public Schools.

Q: What role do you see schools playing in the life of our town?

A: Our schools are shared community assets. Beyond serving as places of learning for our students, they are gathering spaces for athletic events, performances, community programs, meetings, and celebrations throughout the year. They also serve as polling places and emergency shelters in times of need. In addition, they play a significant role in attracting families looking for an excellent school system as they decide to make Glastonbury their home.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

A: I believe in setting high expectations and providing a high level of support. Most people find me to be collaborative and relationship-oriented. My decisions are grounded in listening to and learning from others while keeping students at the heart of every conversation. I also plan to be a visible and approachable superintendent.

Q: What do you hope people will say about Glastonbury Public Schools one year from now?

A: I hope people will say that Glastonbury Public Schools continues to provide exceptional educational experiences for ALL students. I hope our students will say they are challenged and supported. I hope families will say they are trusted partners in their children’s education. I hope our staff will say they are supported and respected. Finally, I hope our community will say they are informed and connected to the work taking place in our schools. GL