He’s an educator with more than two decades of service in districts around the state.
Now, East Lyme Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey R. Newton has been selected as the 2026 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.
Newton was formally recognized on at the 2025 CABE/CAPSS Convention at the Mystic Marriott in Groton.
“It is an honor to recognize Jeffrey Newton for his extraordinary leadership and impact on Connecticut’s students and educators,” said Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of CAPSS, in a statement. “Under his guidance, East Lyme Public Schools has become a model of collaborative leadership, continuous improvement, and student-centered learning.”
Newton was previously the Superintendent of Hebron Public Schools from 2013 to 2015.
Other educational roles include Director of Special Services at Westbrook Public Schools, Principal at Montville Public Schools and Assistant Principal at Dr. Charles E. Murphy School and Mohegan Elementary School.
Newton started his educational career as a special education teacher in Norwich.
“Throughout his tenure, Jeffrey Newton has been recognized for fostering a positive district climate, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring transparency and collaboration in district governance,” the CAPSS statement said.
“He is known for his hands-on approach to supervision and evaluation, strong ethical standards, and a deep belief in the power of teamwork among staff, students, and families,” according to Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.
Newton’s educational background includes earning a Superintendent Certificate through the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Connecticut, a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Administration from Sacred Heart University, a Master of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Keene State College, according to CAPSS.
Some of his professional honors include the Dean’s Leadership Award in Education from Sacred Heart University as well as the Outstanding First-Year Principal Award, and recognition for Exemplary School Climate by the Connecticut Association of Schools.
He has also served as a Fellow in the Education Policy Fellowship Program and as an External K-12 Validator for the Teacher Evaluation and Development Program, according to CAPSS.