FULL NEWS ARTICLE: Caledonian Record - 05/24/2023

The Vermont Superintendents Association (VSA) has recognized Superintendent Jennifer Botzojorns of the Kingdom East School District as the 2023 Frederick H. Tuttle Superintendent of the Year. The announcement was made at the Association’s annual award dinner on Thursday, May 18. The recognition commemorates long-time Vermont superintendent and children’s advocate Frederick H. Tuttle and pays tribute to a superintendent who demonstrates exemplary leadership on behalf of students, the Vermont Superintendents Association, public education and the entire community.

Botzojorns receives the award after seven years as superintendent. Prior to the superintendency, she held roles as assistant superintendent, curriculum director, school principal, and high school teacher. Superintendent Botzojorns ushered the Kingdom East School District through Act 46 aimed t0 improve education outcomes and equity. “Jen’s skills as a communicator and her ability to develop relational trust, both with and between stakeholders, was essential for the success of this transition,” former superintendent John Castle said of his colleague. Describing her insatiable love for learning, Castle continued, “Jen stays current in understanding best practices and promoting innovative approaches. In addition to her contagious enthusiasm for learning, Jen is always willing to share resources and foster learning for all of those who she is associated with as a supervisor or colleague. Her excitement for learning is so real!” Botzojorns, who sits on the Vermont Superintendents Association’s Board of Trustees, is an advocate for rural communities, including improved school facilities in the Kingdom East School District and around the state. Community member Alyssa May commented, “I am most moved by her absolutely unwavering commitment to our students in this district, to their capacity for greatness and their deservedness of the best possible facilities, staff and opportunities to succeed.”

Upon learning of her selection, Botzojorns accepted the award with joy and enthusiasm. Speaking to her colleagues, she characteristically shared a story comparing life at her homestead to the importance of steady leadership. Concluding her acceptance, she recognized the unwavering commitment of all the school leaders in attendance, thanking each and every one of them for their dedication to Vermont’s students.

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