As school children and their families in the Region 4 School District get ready to head back to school on Thursday, Aug. 29, new Superintendent of Schools Brian White is also getting ready for his first school year in his new position.

“I’ve had a great summer really getting to know the communities and meeting a lot of new people,” said White, who officially started his new position on July 1.

White said he is looking forward to the district’s convocation for teachers, which will be held on Monday, Aug. 26, just a few days before school starts for students on Aug. 29.

“There has been a lot of very positive feedback over the summer,” said White. “I’ve done a lot of listening and heard all the different perspectives out there, which I think has better informed me so I will be able to take that all in and apply it during decision making times.”

He added, “My goal for this school year is to have a smooth, seamless start. I don’t plan on making a lot of changes, because there are already so many great, positive initiatives currently underway that I hope to build on all that and keep it moving forward.”

To meet with more people and families from the school communities, White and his staff are currently solidifying his fall schedule, which will include several dates in September and October when he will be present in one of the five schools to meet and talk with individuals who have questions for him or just want to stop in and introduce themselves to him.

“I am coming into a very positive environment here in Region 4 and I have invested a lot of time this summer into building strong relationships with the staff, administrators, board members, and the communities,” said White. “I think this is going to be a great school year. One that we are looking forward to and I am excited to really get started and move forward into the future here.

“I have been impressed with all of the wonderful things that are happening in our district and I plan to work to provide consistent and effective communication between our district, our schools, the homes of the students we serve, and the greater communities of Chester, Deep River, and Essex,” he continued. “My door is always open and I can be contacted at any time.”