The following is a press release from the Wilton Public Schools.
The Wilton Public School district announced yesterday (Thursday, May 1) that Melissa Barrett has been selected as the district’s new assistant superintendent for special services.
She replaces Andrea Leonardi, who is retiring after eight years working in the district and nearly 40 years as a special educator.
Barrett currently serves as the assistant director for special services, grade 6–age 22. In her current role, Barrett oversees Community Steps (the district’s program for students age 18-22), the Genesis alternative program, and special services at Middlebrook School and Wilton High School. School officials said that during her six-year tenure in this role, “Barrett has proven to be a staunch advocate for students with learning differences, an innovative problem solver, and a strong relationship builder.”
Prior to her current role, Barrett served as a special education teacher at Wilton High School, providing leadership for Wilton Youth Council, Wilton United Unified Sports and Wilton Swag, a non-profit business that employed individuals with disabilities.
Earlier in her career, she served as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Joseph and was employed as a special education teacher in the Fairfield Public Schools. Barrett holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in assistive technology, and a sixth-year certificate in administrative leadership. She also holds graduate certificates in comprehensive special education and applied behavior analysis.
Barrett was selected following what school officials called a “comprehensive search and interview process.” The four-round interview process involved a variety of stakeholders from across the district, including parents, teachers, administrators and Board of Education representation.
“Mrs. Barrett impressed the committee with both her commitment to improving outcomes for students and her proven record of success in the district,” WPS Human Resources Director Maria Coleman said in the release.
Barrett will begin her new role on July 1, 2025.
Melissa is an excellent person. Excellent choice.