Region 15 superintendent arrested

#MiddleburyCT #Region15 #Accident #JoshuaSmith #Arrest

A car parked in the driveway and the car driven by Region 15 Superintendent Joshua Smith both ended up in a yard after Smith’s out-of-control car split a utility pole at its base and careened into the parked car. Smith was arrested following the accident. (Southington Police photo)

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM

Wires lie across the street and equipment mounted on a utility pole are on the ground after a car driven by Region 15 Superintendent Joshua Smith struck the pole January 18. (Southington Police photo)

January 18 at 1 a.m., Regional School District 15 Superintendent Joshua Smith was involved in a one-car accident in Southington. No one was injured. Smith told police he was driving down Mulberry Street when he swerved because an animal ran into the road. After he swerved to the left, his vehicle crossed the center line, hit a utility pole, snapping it at the base, and then struck a Volvo parked at a Mulberry Street home. Police charged him with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane.

Nearly two weeks later, on January 31, the Region 15 Board of Education (BoE) issued a statement revealing it had met in executive session with Smith and the Board’s attorney, Jessica Smith, on January 22. The statement said it was to address information about Smith that “has garnered media and community attention.” It explained Smith had “fully and candidly” informed the BoE chair, Marion Manzo, “of this serious matter promptly after it occurred.” The full board then reviewed the matter and “addressed it” with Smith. How it was addressed was not revealed. The statement ended with praise for Smith’s seven years of service and concluded the Board was confident he would continue to lead Region 15 “with excellence and integrity.”

Smith issued an apology to Region 15 community members on February 2. After mentioning honesty and integrity as his priorities and the need for educators to serve as role models at all times, he said he was in a car accident and was arrested for driving under the influence. He offered his deepest apologies. He said he took full responsibility for his actions and explained he was driving home when the road curved to the right and he swerved to the left to avoid “an object” in the road.

He noted the state intoxication legal limit is .08, and his test read .09. The Southington Police Department incident report obtained by this newspaper states Smith’s test read .0989 at 2:30 a.m. and .0970 at 2:50 a.m. It also states Smith said he had two beers between 10:30 p.m. on January 17 and 12:30 a.m. on January 18.

Smith also was given field sobriety tests. The incident report says based on the collision, the odor of alcohol from Smith’s person, his glassy eyes, his saying he consumed two beers, and the results of the field sobriety tests, he was placed under arrest for the charges mentioned earlier.

Smith was issued a misdemeanor summons and a $10,000 non-surety bond and was scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court January 31. However, his court date was rescheduled to Friday, March 21.

The BoE on February 5 again met with Smith in executive session and, on February 6, released a second statement. It said Smith had informed Chairperson Marion Manzo of the incident about six hours after it occurred. It noted January 22 was the earliest lawful date the BoE could meet with Smith. It said the Board concluded “this incident did not erode our confidence in Mr. Smith’s ability to continue leading our district effectively.” It also said this has been a learning opportunity for all involved and it will be used “as a teachable moment to encourage our students to make responsible choices.”

This newspaper, via email, asked Manzo if the BoE had considered the police incident report or a Southington Police representative’s statements in their two executive sessions. Manzo’s response was to reiterate that the Board met with Smith and the Board’s attorney both times. The BoE said feedback was welcome and could be sent to Region15BOE@region15.org.

The newspaper’s email inquiry also asked if Smith was disciplined. Manzo responded the issue is being treated as a personnel matter and their attorney has advised the Board not to comment on it. We informed Manzo that our understanding is disciplinary records are considered public documents. She did not respond to that comment.

The Region 16 (Prospect and Beacon Falls) Board of Education reacted differently when their Superintendent of Schools, Michael Yamin, was arrested while visiting family in Florida in September 2022. He was initially charged with driving under the influence, but the charge was later reduced to misdemeanor reckless driving.

Meeting in early 2023, after the BoE learned of Yamin’s arrest, newspaper reports say the BoE unanimously approved suspending Yamin for two weeks without pay with conditions including Yamin providing proof he completed an alcohol counseling or similar program and acknowledging that similar conduct would result in termination.