On the first day back at school after summer break it is not unusual to see an unfamiliar face in the hallway. There are always new students and sometimes a few new teachers. And this year was no exception. Among these new faces in the halls on the first day was the new superintendent of Region 16 schools, Mr. Michael Yamin.

The Region 16 Board of Education appointed Yamin to the position of Superintendent of Schools in August, after former superintendent Tim James resigned for health reasons.

Yamin got his start in education in a unique way. While studying for his masters, he taught for a year and a half at a school called Winchester one, a classroom at Yale New Haven Hospital for hospitalized children.

“I’ve always has an interest in working with kids,” Yamin said. “When I was younger I worked at youth camps in the summer and in college at UConn I did some volunteer work at local middle schools, which definitely fostered my desire to go into education.”

After earning his degree and some in the classroom experience at Winchester One, Yamin began teaching in the Waterbury Public School System, where he has been an educator for the past 23 years.

After 6 years in the classroom, Yamin spent 17 years as an administrator in various schools throughout Waterbury. Most recently he was the Principal at John F Kennedy High School and the Director of Special Education for the Waterbury Public School System.

“When the position for Region 16 opened, I decided I was at a point in my career where I felt like a Superintendent position would maximize my ability to make a difference,” said Yamin. “I felt like it was a great fit for me because my core values match those of this community.”

One of the first things that Yamin wants to do in his new position is to become an active member in the community.

“I want to build a relationship with the students, with the schools and with the community,” said Yamin. “Then I want to build a shared vision for education.”

Yamin is also eager to get involved with building committees of the new elementary school in Prospect and also renovating other schools in the district.

“I think I’m most looking forward to just getting involved,” said Yamin. “I want to go to events and talk to parents and kids. I want to be as hands on as possible.”