The Board of Education of Regional School District 17 has announced the appointment of Dr. Holly Hageman as interim superintendent of schools. Hageman has served for the past five years as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for District 17 and has done an outstanding job in program development, district restructuring, and strategic capital planning, among many other areas.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of science in biology, Hageman earned her master’s at Wesleyan University and her doctorate in educational leadership at UConn. Her career has included positions as assistant superintendent in Westport, director of curriculum and instruction in Regional School District 12 (Bridgewater, Roxbury, Washington), and principal of Nayaug Elementary School in Glastonbury and at Irving A. Robbins Middle School in Farmington. She has also been a science teacher at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year. Hageman succeeds Howard Thiery, who has accepted a position as superintendent of schools in Regional School District 10.

The RSD 17 Board of Education looks forward to working with Hageman in her new position and continuing the positive and productive relationship it has enjoyed throughout her tenure as assistant superintendent.

“Holly was the obvious choice for this position,” said RSD 17 Board Chair Joanne Nesti. “Selecting her should reassure the families of Haddam and Killingworth that a strong and experienced educator will be guiding our District in a smooth transition to new leadership.”

Hageman will begin her new position on Thursday, Aug. 16. The board also will continue its work as a search committee for the selection of a permanent superintendent of schools, thoughtfully and thoroughly considering all options in choosing a leader who will enhance and advance the district.