West Hartford Administrator To Become Avon Assistant Superintendent

The Avon Board of Education appointed Dr. Donna Nestler-Rusack as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning at a special meeting Monday night.

“We are looking forward to Donna utilizing her experience to help our staff identify the best practices in each of our schools and replicate them in our other schools, in order to help all students achieve at higher levels," Board of Education Chairwoman Peggy Roell stated in a press release about Nestler-Rusack's appointment.

She replaces Jody Goeler, who left the district to become superintendent of Region 14, which includes Bethlehem and Woodbury.

“We are fortunate to have Donna join us in Avon," Avon Superintendent Gary Mala said in the press release. "She has experience from pre-kindergarten through the university level, a depth of knowledge of curriculum and instruction, assessment and professional development and both the problem solving and interpersonal skills to support the positive work of all district staff. I am very pleased to have a partner at the district level who shares a common vision and passion for the success of all children."

Nestler-Rusack started public school administration in 1999 at Torrington Middle School and in 2001 she became assistant principal of in West Hartford. She was named to her current position as West Hartford's administrator for district improvement in 2008.

Before her career in administration began, she taught strings, orchestra and general music in Manchester Public Schools from 1988 to 1999 and was the kindergarten through 12th grade music department chairperson there from 1997 to 1999.

Nestler-Rusack got her bachelor of music degree in music education and performance and her master of education degree in administration and supervision at the University of Hartford. She also has a certificate of advanced studies in administration and supervision and a doctorate's degree in educational leadership through the educational leadership department there.

She was chosen from a pool of 23 candidates, nine of which advanced to the first interview round.

Her start day as assistant superintendent has not been determined yet, but it will be sometime in early 2012, school officials confirmed.