Catherine Hamblett

Working in the Public Sector

by Stephanie J. Serrano

Litchfield’s Superintendent-Elect Catherine Hamblett is preparing the Litchfield District for a split from Hudson’s school unit, that will result in Litchfield’s own SAU.

In March of 2002 the voters of Hudson chose to form their own SAU. With the growth of both Hudson and Litchfield, separate SAU’s have become necessary. In helping to implement this change, Hamblett has been tasked with finding the most cost effective way of maintaining services critical to the operation of the schools. Hamblett currently works out of Campbell High School.

Hamblett has been with the Litchfield school district for two years.

“The mission of the Litchfield Public School, in partnership with parents and the Litchfield community, is to provide and develop a complete education program of the highest quality that enables students to develop intellectually, socially, physically, emotionally and be capable of adapting to a changing world and it’s technology.”

Hamblett’s undertaking with the SAU will bring some significant changes to the Litchfield schools, which house a total of 1,500 students.

Hamblett is confident and optimistic regarding the transition. She says that having one centralized, local office has already fostered an atmosphere conducive to more effective communications. Hamblett works directly the Litchfield School Board, consisting of five members who are all parents.

Hamblett hopes to improve communications with the community. She has conducted various focus groups with parents and continues to work closely with the school's principals and administrative staff. Fostering and maintaining positive working relationships with the Hudson School District is a priority for Hamblett, who says "We're still working closely to support each other in our transition.”

Creating and working effectively through change is not unfamiliar to Hamblett, who has held various positions during her career in education. During her position as principal of an elementary school, Hamblett helped organize a transition that involved changing grade levels. Hamblett’s career in education has offered her some unique and varied opportunities. She’s worked as a high school Social Studies teacher, a Reading Specialist servicing all levels, the Principal of an elementary school, and Assistant Superintendent for the Manchester school district.

Hamblett's career also includes a "ministry of education," which she served while traveling abroad. Working as the assistant to the Officer of English, Hamblett spent two and a half years in the Peace Corps, as an assistant educational consultant. Her experience has given her a global viewpoint on education, as she's traveled throughout east Africa, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

When Hamblett is not preparing for a board meeting, coordinating changes for a new SAU, and supporting the Professional Development Committee, she enjoys taking voice lessons, swimming, playing racquetball and cross-country skiing.

Hamblett graduated from Hood College in Maryland, with a degree in History and Political Science. She holds a Masters Degree in teaching from Antioch College in Vermont. She has attended Harvard Graduate School of Education earning a Certificate of Advanced Study in Administrative Social Policy and Planning. "I like the level of interaction here," says Hamblett. “With an open and receptive attitude, and a belief that if you try to help people understand what you're trying to accomplish in a clear way, there will hopefully be a trust that your communications are honest."

The Hudson-Litchfield SAU split will become official on July 1, 2003. At that time, the Litchfield SAU will be known as SAU 27.