Susan Homrok-Lemke Named to New Position, Will Leave Henry James July 1

Susan Homrok-Lemke has been named the new assistant superintendent for administration and human resources development for Simsbury school district. She replaces Matt Curtis, who had a slightly different title (director of human resources). Her title reflects a somewhat changed scope to the position.

This new position means she will be leaving her post as principal of as of July 1, 2012. The search for a new principal for Henry James will begin in early February. Candidate interviews will take place in March.

"I am anticipating that the new principal will be in place by July 1," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Diane Ullman.

Ullman said she was “very pleased” to be making the recommendation that the board of education members appoint Homrok-Lemke to the position — which they did unanimously at their meeting Tuesday night.

Ullman described Homrok-Lemke's work in the district as “outstanding” and said the job title change reflects a strength of Homrok-Lemke's — human resources development.

But Homrok-Lemke’s guiding principal, Ullman said, is the welfare of students.

“The well being of students is her North Star,” said Ullman, quoting what Homrok-Lemke said in her interview process.

Ullman said Homrok-Lemke has a “superb set of interpersonal skills” and is well suited for the position.

Board member Susan Salina remarked that Homrok-Lemke will be “sorely missed” at Henry James.

Other board members welcomed Homrok-Lemke and said they looked forward to working with her.

“Welcome to the late nights,” said board member Mike Wade.

Homrok-Lemke, who was at the meeting with her parents, husband and 13-month-old daughter, said each year in the district has provided her with opportunities and it has been a privilege to work in the town.

She told board members she looks forward to “exceeding your expectations.”

“I will do you proud I promise you,” she said. “Thank you for your vote of confidence.”

As assistant superintendent for administration and human resource development, Homrok-Lemke will have primary responsibility for the recruitment, hiring, induction, development and evaluation of K-12 certified staff. The increased focus on the teacher and leader quality is in alignment with the district’s improvement strategy to ensure an exceptional teacher in every classroom and an exceptional leader for every school and program.

Other responsibilities will include oversight of district-wide health services and student enrollment and transportation, coordination of the Choice Program, program development and supervision of the department of continuing education, and negotiations with the board of education’s five bargaining units. Additionally, Homrok-Lemke will serve as the district safe school climate coordinator, implementing the district’s Safe School Climate Plan.

Homrok-Lemke began her career with the Simsbury Public Schools as an assistant principal at Simsbury High School on July 1, 2005. Beginning with the 2007-08 school year, she has served as the principal at Henry James.

Before coming to Simsbury, she was an assistant principal at Wamogo High School, a 7-12 grade school, for two years.

Homrok-Lemke served as a special education teacher and alternative education program facilitator at Northwestern High School in Winsted.

She received her bachelor's degree in psychology and her master's in special education at the University of Massachusetts. She continued her education at the University of Connecticut Administrative Preparation Program, receiving her sixth year in educational leadership in 2004 and is currently completing the executive leadership program through UConn.