After a thorough and comprehensive search, the Farmington Board of Education is proud and pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jess M. Giannini to the position of Superintendent of Schools effective January 5, 2026 replacing Kathleen C. Greider, who served as Superintendent from 2009-2025, retiring in June 2025 and currently serving as Interim Superintendent until January 4, 2026. The Farmington Board of Education appointed Mr. Jess M. Giannini at a special meeting held on October 27, 2025.
Mr. Giannini is an experienced teacher and administrator at the school and district levels with a strong record of success. His vast experience at all levels of education made him an excellent candidate throughout the search process to lead the Farmington Public Schools during an exciting time of innovation. Throughout his career Mr. Giannini has been recognized as a student-centered leader known for his approachable style, strong relationships and focus on instructional excellence and organizational growth. In his current role as Assistant Superintendent of the Avon Public Schools, he has provided leadership in district-wide curriculum initiatives and the adoption of innovative instructional frameworks with a focus on academic excellence and strong strategic outcomes. In this role, he led the design and implementation of professional learning systems to strengthen instructional practices and ensure program sustainability, chaired district committees focused on continuous improvement and contributed to the development of Board policies and administrative regulations. He also cultivated partnerships with community organizations and advanced strategic planning aligned with Avon’s Portrait of the Graduate. As a skilled instructional leader, Mr. Giannini exhibits expertise in curriculum, instruction and programming which will enhance our school district’s current improvement work to continue Farmington’s legacy of leading the way in public education. His leadership expertise will advance improvement efforts in the area of deeper learning with a focus on excellence for all learners. Mr. Giannini’s commitment to collaboration among all constituencies in establishing a positive climate, highly active classroom learning
environments and excellence in student outcomes will continue our efforts in the area of strategic improvement. He is also a highly visible leader who connects with students, colleagues and parents on a daily basis.
Board of Education Chair Bill Beckert commented, ” I am delighted to welcome Jess Giannini as our new Superintendent of Schools. With his outstanding record of leadership and innovation in Avon, Jess brings a clear vision and purposeful direction that will guide our schools into a bright future. His intelligence, passion, and commitment to excellence will be tremendous assets to our town. I am confident that under his leadership, we will see continued progress in prioritizing student and staff success, strengthening educational excellence, expanding opportunities for all learners, and building the organizational capacity needed to meet the evolving challenges of public education.”
Board of Education Chair of the Superintendent Search Committee Andrea Sobinski stated,
“The search for Farmington’s next Superintendent was both comprehensive and inclusive.
Through focus groups and surveys conducted across our schools and the broader community, we identified the leadership qualities most valued in our next district leader. Among an exceptional pool of candidates, Mr. Giannini emerged as a thoughtful, conscientious, and student-centered educator with a collaborative leadership style and a wonderful sense of humor. He distinguished himself through his deep commitment to continuous improvement and his ability to build strong, trusting relationships. His enthusiasm, integrity, and unwavering dedication to excellence make him an outstanding fit for Farmington. We are thrilled to welcome him as our next Superintendent.”
Upon his appointment, Mr. Giannini shared, “I am deeply grateful to the Farmington Board of Education for entrusting me with the honor and responsibility of serving as the next
Superintendent of Schools. I am humbled by your confidence and inspired by the opportunity to lead a district widely recognized and respected as one of the finest in Connecticut and across the nation.
Farmington’s longstanding commitment to excellence and its focus on both academic
achievement and the whole child deeply resonate with me. I look forward to leading a district that empowers students to become global citizens: resourceful, resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world. In Farmington, our families and students deserve the very best in public education, including a supportive learning community, engaging academic experiences, and an unwavering commitment to each student’s growth and success.
I am honored to serve as Superintendent of the Farmington Public Schools and look forward to partnering with our dedicated educators, families, and community members to build upon the district’s outstanding foundation. Together, we will ensure that every student is known, valued, and empowered to achieve academic and personal excellence now and in the future.”
Brief Bio:
This year marks Mr. Giannini’s 26th year in education. He began his career as a fifth-grade
teacher in Vernon before joining the Avon Public Schools, where he spent ten years teaching third and fourth grade at Pine Grove Elementary School. He later served as assistant principal and then principal of Pine Grove, supporting educators and strengthening the school’s sense of community. In 2020, he became principal of Avon Middle School, continuing his commitment to collaborative and engaging learning environments. Most recently, he served as assistant superintendent for the Avon Public Schools.
Mr. Giannini holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Liberal Studies from
Westfield State University and Master’s Degrees in Reading and Language Arts and Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. He also completed advanced executive leadership studies through Central Connecticut State University’s Superintendent Preparation Program and a superintendent internship with Simsbury Public Schools, further developing expertise in executive leadership, board governance, and community engagement.
A proud father of two daughters, ages 12 and 14, Mr. Giannini and his wife, also a career
educator, enjoy traveling across New England for their daughters’ field hockey and soccer
games. In his free time, he is an avid long-distance cyclist, golfer, and values time spent with
family.
