Welcome to Preston Public Schools

In my second year as Superintendent of Preston Public Schools it is important to recognize what a great community Preston is and what a wonderful group of students, families, and staff we work with every day. In the 2017-2018 school year the district accomplished much. The Board of Education set the first ever Strategic Plan. The Plan will guide the district over the next five years. There are seven major areas of focus: A. Safety and Wellbeing, B. High Quality Learning Environments, C. Curriculum and Instruction, D. Community Partnerships, E. Branding/Marketing, F. District Operations, and G. Technology. The work will be embedded in a learning environment that holds in its center the whole child. We also were able to approve a five-year capital improvement plan that will help maintain a quality learning environment and repair district assets. The Board implemented a new budget process, initiated a complete policy review, created a Finance Committee, and endeavored continuous transparency for all its processes. Our overall partnership and cooperation with the town has deepened.

When we think of our important choices about children we reflect on the following metaphor. The Palm:​ A metaphor being used in our district to keep us focused on our core mission is shared in the following way: Hold your palm out in front of you and visualize the face of a person you love. Place that visualization in the palm of your hand and gently close your hand. Bring your closed hand close to your heart and remember this: Whenever you are making a decision about children, recall what you hold close to your heart and in the palm of your hand. If you make decisions based on the one you love and hold so dear you will never go wrong. You will always do well by the children in your care.

 As a school district, it is evident that the entire team of educators, parents, and community members are committed to ensuring student well-being, quality learning experiences, and the simple joys of life for all children. This commitment is demonstrated through a supportive district budget, a dedicated staff, and community leaders that recognize the importance of a 21^st century education. It is my honor and privilege to support, continue, and expand on, the many positive attributes of Preston Public Schools.

Our two school buildings, Preston Veterans’ Memorial School (PK-5) and Preston Plains Middle School (6-8) enroll a little over 440 students. Upon completion of the eighth grade program, Preston students have the high quality options of attending Norwich Free Academy (Designated High School), Ledyard High School, Ledyard Agri-Science High School, Grasso Vocational Technical High School, Norwich Vocational-Technical High School, New London Science and Technology Magnet High School, or Marine Science Magnet High School. 

The district will continue to place emphasis on developing a strong school-home partnership and partnerships with the greater community. Parents are welcome in our schools and play an active role as evidenced by the presence of parent volunteers and two active parent-teacher organizations. Our efforts always pay dividends and complement our sustained commitment to the 4 C’s – communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration. 

As Preston Public School District moves forward I thank you for visiting this website. It is one of many methods we use to communicate our student centered mission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information about Preston Public Schools. Be safe. Be well.