[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 128 (Friday, July 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DR. JOSEPH V. ERARDI, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2017

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. 
Joseph Erardi, Jr. upon his retirement as the Superintendent of Schools 
in Newtown, Connecticut. Dr. Erardi is a distinguished educator and 
administrator, and his legacy of fighting for Connecticut's students 
will inspire the next generation of public servants.
  Dr. Erardi has long been active in education in our state. He 
completed his undergraduate and Master's degrees at Central Connecticut 
State University before earning his Doctorate in Educational Leadership 
from the University of Hartford. Before joining the Newtown Public 
Schools, Joe worked in school administration at Rockville High, 
Killingly High, and Manchester Public Schools. He then worked as 
Superintendent at the Southington, Watertown, and Bolton school 
districts in Connecticut before joining Newtown as Superintendent in 
2014.
  Joe's leadership has been vital to support our local schools during a 
challenging time for our state and local governments. In November 2016, 
the Connecticut Boards of Education and Connecticut Association of 
Public School Superintendents named Dr. Erardi as the Superintendent of 
the Year for 2017 in recognition of his dedication to students, 
teachers, and his district. What's more, in spite of his demanding work 
at Newtown Public Schools, Joe found the time to teach at Central 
Connecticut State University and to share his experience with the next 
generation of educators.
  On a personal note, I want to honor my friend Joe. He is a true 
educator, mentor, and citizen servant. Joe, we'll miss you--but know 
that your service stands as a benchmark for all of us who care about 
education and about our communities. I extend him my best wishes for an 
enjoyable retirement with his wife, Sue, and children, Joe and Chelsea.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Joseph Erardi dedicated his career in public service 
to improving our public schools and ensuring Connecticut's students 
receive a quality education. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that 
we honor him here today.

                          ____________________