06/06/2026
Congratulations!
FROM THE WINY RADIO NEWSROOM: West Hartford, CT — June 5, 2026 — The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) has honored Melinda Smith, Superintendent of Thompson Public Schools, with the 2026 CAPSS President’s Award.
The CAPSS President’s Award recognizes an individual or group that has made a distinctive contribution to Connecticut’s public schools, children, and communities. The award honors exceptional leadership, dedication, and service in advancing educational quality and student well-being.
Ms. Smith was recognized for her steady, student-centered leadership, her commitment to improving outcomes for all students, and her ability to build meaningful partnerships that connect public education to the future of work. Since becoming Superintendent of Thompson Public Schools in 2017, Ms. Smith has led the district through a period of significant growth, strengthened student supports, and expanded opportunities for students to graduate with a clearer path toward college, career, and community life.
“Melinda Smith represents the very best of public school leadership,” said Steve Rioux, CAPSS President and Superintendent of Putnam Public Schools. “She understands that improving a school district is not about chasing one score or one ranking. It is about building systems, opening doors for students, creating partnerships, and making sure every child is seen for their strengths and potential. Her work in Thompson is a model for what can happen when a superintendent leads with vision, persistence, and a deep belief in students.”
Under Ms. Smith’s leadership, Thompson Public Schools has seen measurable progress in several key areas. The district’s four-year graduation rate increased from 69.8 percent in 2019 to 90 percent in 2024. Thompson has also made substantial progress in reducing chronic absenteeism through targeted strategies such as Tiger Block, family outreach, and school-based supports. At the elementary level, chronic absenteeism declined from 36 percent to 9.4 percent, and at the middle school level, it declined from 40 percent to 11.4 percent. The district has also used High Dosage Tutoring grants and other targeted supports to strengthen academic growth and better align student achievement in mathematics and English language arts with state expectations.
A hallmark of Ms. Smith’s leadership has been her focus on career pathways and workforce readiness. Thompson Public Schools has developed and expanded programs that give students access to hands-on, high-quality learning experiences in fields such as welding, manufacturing, health care, carpentry, and culinary arts. These pathways reflect a clear belief that students deserve multiple strong options after graduation, whether they choose college, a technical program, military service, or direct entry into a meaningful career.
One of the most visible examples of this work is Thompson’s partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat, SENEDIA, the American Welding Society, and other regional workforce partners. Through this partnership, Tourtellotte Memorial High School expanded its welding program into a modern lab that now includes six full welding booths and supports growing student interest in advanced manufacturing. The project, supported through multiple funding sources, represents the kind of school-business partnership that gives students direct exposure to high-demand careers while helping meet the workforce needs of eastern Connecticut and the submarine industrial base.
The welding pathway does more than teach a technical skill. It gives students a tangible connection between what they are learning in school and the future they can build for themselves. Students have opportunities to pursue industry-recognized credentials, learn about careers at Electric Boat and other regional manufacturers, and prepare for further training and employment in fields that offer strong wages, long-term stability, and purpose.
Ms. Smith has also championed Thompson’s culinary arts program, another example of her commitment to creating practical, engaging, and meaningful learning opportunities. The culinary pathway gives students hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment, while building skills in food safety, sanitation, preparation, teamwork, time management, and customer service. Like the welding program, the culinary pathway reflects a larger vision for public education: schools should help students discover their talents, develop confidence, and see a future for themselves beyond the classroom.
In addition to her leadership within Thompson, Ms. Smith has been a regional partner and advocate. As co-chair of the Northeast Early Childhood Council, she has worked to strengthen early learning opportunities and elevate the needs of young children and families across the region. She has also been a strong voice for telling the full story of student success, often highlighting growth, student voice, and Thompson’s Portrait of a Graduate rather than relying solely on narrow measures of school performance.
“Melinda’s leadership is practical, courageous, and deeply connected to community,” Rioux said. “She has shown that even in a small district, it is possible to build big opportunities for students. Her work with Electric Boat, her commitment to career pathways, her support for early childhood education, and her focus on student growth all reflect the kind of leadership that strengthens not only one district, but public education across Connecticut.”
CAPSS congratulates Ms. Melinda Smith on receiving the 2026 President’s Award and thanks her for her outstanding service to Thompson Public Schools, the northeastern Connecticut region, and the children and communities of Connecticut.
About CAPSS
The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents leads the continuous improvement of public education for all students by advocating public policy for children and by developing and supporting executive school leaders.
