The Chester School Board has named Dr. Sharon Locke, Ed.D., as the next superintendent of
schools for the Chester School District starting July 1 st , 2021. Dr. Locke succeeds Dr. Darrell
Lockwood, Ed.D., who is retiring at the end of the school year. Dr. Locke recently transitioned from six
successful years as the Superintendent of the Naugatuck Public Schools in Naugatuck, Connecticut.
Most recently she was an Assistant Director of the Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) in
North Haven, Connecticut. Since 2020 she has also served as an Adjunct Professor at both New
England College in Henniker, NH and at the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Locke’s selection is the result of a comprehensive search conducted by a fifteen member
committee appointed by the Chester School Board and led by former Board member Mrs. Maria Veale.
The search produced seventeen (17) qualified applicants from diverse geographic and professional
backgrounds.
Chester is very fortunate to have attracted such a diverse and talented group. We are
extraordinarily pleased with the outcome of this search process. In the end, Dr. Locke clearly proved to
be the best fit to carry forward the vision of the Chester School District and to provide the leadership
for our educational community to explore the limitless opportunities available to us all.
Under her leadership in Naugatuck, the district achieved a Smarter Balanced Assessments
improvement rate for Naugatuck students that ranked the district in the top 5% in the state of
Connecticut. Her focus resulted in a school system that strove to become an inclusive, equity-minded
learning community with high expectations for both students and staff.
Dr. Locke completed her doctoral program in Education at New England College and
completed her Superintendent Certification Program at Central Connecticut State University. Prior to
obtaining her superintendent licensure, she earned a Sixth Year Degree in Administration from Southern
Connecticut State University, a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from Central
Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from the University of New
Hampshire.
“The Chester School Board is excited that Dr. Sharon Locke will be the new leader for the
Chester School District. In our conversations with Dr. Locke we came away firmly believing that she will
be a collaborative leader that will engage our staff and build a community that will unlock the potential
of each of our students.” Chairman Royal Richardson said of the new Superintendent. “The Chester
School District has always felt energized to accomplish more and, for this to happen, we need
experienced leadership willing to put the energy and enthusiasm into their work to show the students
how important their education is. I’m excited to begin this next era with Sharon as she puts her imprint
on the District with a focus on teamwork, and a commitment to our students and their families.”
Vice Chairman Jonathan Eckerman commented that the Chester School District is in great
hands. “Dr. Locke’s focus on student growth is supported by her interest in a collaborative model of
leadership that emphasizes accountability at all levels. I am confident that Chester will appreciate
her desire to create strong relationships within our community. Our teachers and staff will find her
to be extremely relatable and supportive while challenging each person to grow alongside our
children. The students and families will find renewed confidence in the amazing abilities our
students possess. I look forward to welcoming Dr. Locke and being a part of the focused and
deliberate work to provide the very best learning environment for our students and staff.”
Dr. Locke provided the following statement: “I am excited and honored to have been selected to
serve as Chester’s new superintendent of schools. I am looking forward to getting to know our students,
their families, and our staff and to work together to ensure each and every child is thriving at Chester
Academy and throughout their high school experience. I am also eager to partner with the School Board
to continue providing the resources and supports necessary to operate our district in service of a healthy,
happy, and collaborative community.”