By Linda Conner Lambeck

WESTPORT–Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice has been named one of two finalists for a 2026 Superintendent of the Year Award from the National Association of School Superintendents. 

“Mr. Scarice has positioned Westport Public Schools as a national model for responsible artificial intelligence by establishing a districtwide AI Code of Ethics, developing a K-12 AI literacy framework, refreshing academic-integrity practices, and investing in professional learning that empowers educators while preserving the human core of teaching and learning,” said Theresa Daem, founder of the 17-year-old organization.

“We are very proud of him,” Daem added in a phone interview.

The other finalist is Alice Beth Barfield, superintendent of the Glades County School District in Florida.

Reached on Monday, Scarice said that he was grateful to be named one of the finalists.

He said he is unsure how many nominees there were but that he had to respond to a lot, in writing, went through interviews and that his references were also interviewed. He was nominated for the title by someone within the district, Daem said.

“It makes me think first about how fortunate I am to do work I love with people I admire,” Scarice said of the nomination. “Our students are the absolute best, and the talent and care of our faculty and staff, together with the trust and support of our parents and Board of Education, give me so many reasons to be thankful that Westport is the community I get to serve.”

In an email to staff and parents, School Board Chair Lee Goldstein said the nomination reflects Scarice’s leadership of Westport Public Schools and his focus on creating robust opportunities and stellar outcomes for our students.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I congratulate Tom on this well-deserved recognition,” Goldstein wrote.

Scarice is additionally up for a Technology and AI (Artificial Intelligence) award, one of several honors to be given when the organization meets on Oct. 7 in San Diego.

A much younger organization than the American Association of Schools Superintendents, the focus of NASS, Scarice said, is on fostering collaboration and cooperation among superintendents through professional learning opportunities, recognitions and access to resources.

Daem said the NASS is unashamedly about promoting the collective success of superintendents.

“We believe it’s very important. We believe great teachers can only flourish under great leadership,” Daem said.

The organization’s 2025 Superintendent of the year was Carmen J. Balgobin, of Volusia County Schools in DeLand, Florida.

Scarice has been superintendent in Westport since 2020.The NASS describes Westport as being nationally recognized for its academic excellence, vibrant arts programs and engaged, high-expectation community. Scarice was described as someone focused on continuous improvement and forward-thinking leadership.

“(Scarice) has earned recognition as a model superintendent in the emerging space of artificial intelligence in education,” according to the website. Particularly when it comes to keeping AI human-centered, it was added.

“This work includes establishing a districtwide AI Code of Ethics, developing a K-12 AI literacy framework, refreshing academic integrity practices and investing in professional learning to empower educators,” according to the nomination.

Scarice was also praised for guiding the school system through the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing comprehensive strategic plans and leading initiatives such as redistricting and a long-term facilities plan.

In an interview for the nomination, Scarice was asked how he sees the role of the job of superintendent.

He told them it is no longer just about managing a school system but leading through constant change and uncertainty.

“In my view, one of the greatest challenges today is navigating the rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, while preserving the human core of education,” he told them. “Superintendents must not only be technologically fluent, but must also model its responsible and purposeful use, setting the tone for how systems adapt. 

Equally important, he added, is communication. 

“Stories matter. Today’s superintendent must serve as a narrator for the system, helping the community understand not just what is happening, but why it matters,” he said.

Scarice said his most important realization on the job was that the work is far less about having the right answers and far more about creating the conditions for the right thinking to emerge. 

“Leadership at this level is grounded in trust, trust with the board, with faculty, with families, and with students. Without it, even the best ideas will not take hold. I also came to understand that vision matters, but how you bring people to that vision matters even more.”

One of the most important lessons he said he’s learned is to lead with questions, not answers. 

“I’ve also learned the importance of a “pull” over “push” approach,” he said. “When people see value, feel supported, and are part of the process, momentum becomes authentic and sustainable. Finally, model the change. If we expect our systems to evolve, we must be willing to learn, adapt, and lead visibly alongside those we serve.”

Linda Conner Lambeck

^{_{Linda Conner Lambeck covers education for Westport Journal. She was a reporter for more than four decades at the Connecticut Post and other Hearst publications. She has covered education throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties. She is a proud member of the Education Writers Association.}}