Mr. Christian T. Arsenault, FI School's new Principal
At its meeting May 16, 2017, the Fishers Island Board of Education unanimously appointed Christian T. Arsenault as the new principal of the Fishers Island School, effective July 1, 2017. Mr. Arsenault will assume principal duties as Mrs. Karen Goodwin moves exclusively to the position of part-time Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Goodwin has served as principal of the Fishers Island School for the past five years. Mr. Arsenault emerged as the top candidate from a very strong field of 25 candidates.
Fishers Island Board of Education Chair Jamie Doucette said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Christian and his family to Fishers Island. Of all the candidates, he was the clear choice to join us and support our growth. He related really well to the Board, staff, and students.”
Karen Goodwin added, “Christian is passionate about school leadership and is excited to become the principal of the school his own sons will attend. He was impressed with our students and staff and looks forward to working with them to bring our excellent school to the next level.”
Mr. Arsenault has served for the past three years as founding principal of the Capital Community College Magnet Academy in Hartford. There he was responsible for every aspect of the school, from creating the logo to hiring all staff to guiding the curriculum development to recruiting students. Board President Jamie Doucette, BOE member Bill Bloethe, Business Manager Jim Eagan, and Superintendent/Principal Karen Goodwin visited his current workplace and saw firsthand the positive relationships and high expectations he has developed with and for his students and staff. He is universally respected as a caring and effective school principal.
In his cover letter, Christian recognized, “You would not be hiring me to just run a school- You would be inviting me and my family to become a part of an island community. I would be committing to partner with the residents and businesses on Fishers Island for the betterment of our community and its children.”
Arsenault said, “I am honored and excited to be joining the Fishers Island School and community. Fishers Island is a special place and it is a privilege to be joining the work that is being done on behalf of its students. My family and I cannot wait to get started.”
Arsenault received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Connecticut and his Master of Science in School Counseling from Central Connecticut State University. He also received his Intermediate Administration and Supervision Certification from the Achievement First/Hartford Public Schools Residency Program for School Leadership. Christian also taught Social Studies at Hartford Public High School Nursing Academy as a Teach for America recruit.
Christian and his wife, Beth, have two sons: Owen, who is five, and Ben, who is two.