The New Hampshire School Administrators Association, in coordination with the American Association of School Administrators, has announced that Mr. Reuben Duncan is the New Hampshire Superintendent of the Year for 2023. Mr. Duncan, Superintendent of Schools for the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District (SAU #47) will receive a special award during the AASA National Conference on Education in San Antonio, TX, in February 2023.

 

            Reuben was selected for this honor by a panel of his peers and from a distinguished group of nominees. David Dustin, Jaffrey-Rindge Middle/Conant High School principal, said, “I think it's easiest to say that anyone who has had the honor of working with Reuben, whether a parent, community member, learner, parent, or staff member, walks away with a new connection and support, a powerful vision for learning, and relentless drive to meet the needs of every learner.” 

 

            Patricia Layfield, SAU #47 Student Services Director, remarked, “In the years that I have worked with Reuben, I have witnessed extraordinary vision, leadership, compassion and district growth due to his leadership skills…He is known by name across the district by not only staff but also by students…he subs in the buildings, he interacts with learners regularly, he knows them by name and knows about them.”

 

            Reuben’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville University; a Master of Education from the University of New Hampshire, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from Plymouth State University. He is currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program at Southern New Hampshire University focusing on Educational Leadership. Reuben started his administrative career as the Assistant Principal at the Hillsboro-Deering Middle School, became Principal of the Marlborough School, and then Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Towns for SAU #29. Reuben became Superintendent of Schools in SAU #47 in 2015, where he remains today.

 

            Reuben currently serves as a long-standing member of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association and has previously served as a member and officer of several nonprofit organizations, including the New Hampshire Dance Institute and Keene Housing Kids Collaborative.

 

            Reuben attributes his success to his outstanding staff and administrative team. Reuben’s spouse, Sheryl, three children, Trevor, Christopher and Patrick, and his grandson Jaxston create his supportive family network. Reuben’s passion for innovation, creativity, and strong focus on children provides a mindset for continual growth, not only for himself but for his staff and students.  

 

Dr. Carl Ladd, executive director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, stated, “Reuben is an outstanding representative of the many school superintendents in our state who work everyday in support of public education. He is an innovative leader, a strong and vigorous advocate for students and their families, and is a true Champion for Children.”