By Jarret Liotta

WESTPORT — Following a tumultuous 18-month stretch that saw public education veritably turned on its ear, Supt. of Schools Thomas Scarice began the new school year this week striving for cogency and an inclusive environment for staff.

“There’s one reason I have this job — to support the work that you’re doing,” he told the Long Lots School staff on Monday morning.

To allay some overcrowding, Scarice chose to do this year’s convocation ceremony by school rather than the traditional all-staff meeting in the Staples High School auditorium. He visited several schools last Friday and others throughout the day Monday.

Along with some general updates on in-person education as it relates to COVID-19, he talked about some of his leadership philosophies, strategies and goals.

Drawing on some personal experiences, he said the mark of good leadership involved honesty and integrity, even if it meant admitting mistakes.

“I didn’t make every perfect decision last year,” he said, but hoped he could remain approachable by staff for that very reason.

“Integrity is really one of the biggest trust builders,” Scarice said, noting that the more important part of his job centered on augmenting his staff’s ability to do theirs.

“Yes, there are decisions we have to make. There are bureaucratic pieces. (But) I want to make sure that you hear that message loud and clear,” he said.

Emphasizing communication, he said he wanted to keep everyone informed of what goes out to parents and the public so they’re always able to answer any questions that arise.

“For me, communication is critically important,” Scarice said, noting the staff would be prioritized in that regard.

From an educational standpoint, he stressed both a consistent curriculum and student wellness.

“I’m incredibly passionate about the social and emotional development of our kids,” he said, explaining it was a key part of his enthusiasm as an educator and superintendent.

“Most of us don’t lead with that, but I do,” he said.

He also noted in-depth “curriculum renewal” as a key part of his plans to create consistency between grade levels and schools.

In wrapping up a talk that lasted around 40 minutes, Scarice outlined the current COVID protocols for staff, students and parents, which include masks and proof that visitors to the buildings have been vaccinated.

Since there will be no remote learning option, a new tutor has been hired at each school to offer “homebound”-type of instruction, he said, while shorter quarantine time periods will hopefully leave fewer children missing school days.

“At the end of the day all we really are is people serving people,” Scarice said.

“It’s a great way to kick off the year,” Kim Abrosio, the new principal at Long Lots, said of the superintendent’s visit.

“We’re very excited to welcome all of our students back for in-person learning tomorrow,” she said. “We think it’s going to be a great year.”