McMorran Named CT Principal of the Year

Dr. Tom McMorran, principal of Joel Barlow High School — serving the students of Redding and Easton — is Connecticut's best principal, according to the Connecticut Association of Schools.

The association made the announcement last week, citing McMorran as an "influential and respected leader" at Barlow and in the community.

McMorran said being the principal of Barlow "is highly rewarding."

"I have been blessed to have excellent partners in the staff, faculty, parent community and larger community of Easton and Redding," he said. "Although I have been named as the winner of this award, I sincerely believe it is an accomplishment of everyone at Barlow."

Dr. Bernard Josefsberg, superintendent of schools, congratulated McMorran on the award.

"I salute Dr. McMorran’s intellectual gifts, interpersonal sensitivity, and moral grounding," Josefsberg said. "These attributes combine with his commendable work ethic to secure the respect of an exceptionally talented faculty, one that requires an authentic educator as their leader.”

McMorran will now be entered into the running for the National High School Principal of the Year Award, according to a press release by the association. He will be honored at a ceremony this fall in Portland, Conn. and will be invited to attend an awards gala in Washington, D.C. in September.

Michael Rafferty, chairman of the association, spoke on behalf of it and wished McMorran luck in the national contest.

"We are proud to have such an accomplished administrator representing us in this prestigious awards program," Rafferty said.