Goodwin University and LEARN, southeastern Connecticut’s Regional Educational Service Center, announce the appointment of Kimberlee Matthews as principal of Riverside Magnet School (RMS), effective July 1, 2022.

RMS is a Reggio Emilia-inspired elementary magnet school, offering children (prekindergarten through grade 5), an exciting curriculum that focuses on building literacy, numeracy, social, and physical skills. RMS is part of the LEARN family of schools and of the Goodwin University Magnet School System.

A resident of Windsor, Connecticut, Ms. Matthews is a visionary leader with experience focused on teaching and learning, curriculum and instruction, climate and culture, and family and community engagement. She has held educational leadership positions in schools and with boards of education in the Greater Hartford area. Most recently, Ms. Matthews served as assistant principal for the Discovery Academy, a PK-5 elementary magnet school in Wethersfield. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts degree in Education, and an Educational Leadership/Administration certificate, Ms. Matthews is prepared to foster a learning environment with individualized instruction for students based on need and interest.

Upon accepting the principalship, Ms. Matthews shared, “I am honored and excited to be joining the Riverside Magnet School community. I am eager to meet all staff, students, and families as a first step to forming long-lasting relationships. The work around diversity, equity, and inclusion is pivotal and important to me as it is the foundation of our magnet schools and helps ensure that every student gets what they need to be successful. With an equity lens in mind, I am committed to providing the leadership that will guide Riverside Magnet School toward academic success through a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment.” Ms. Matthews will maintain a positive school climate and culture at RMS through restorative approaches and practices and will set standards for students and staff to maintain competitive academic achievement and increase student outcomes.

Kate Ericson, LEARN’s executive director, is excited for Ms. Matthews to join the RMS community, stating, “I am very pleased to have Kim Matthews join LEARN’s leadership team. Her experience as a member of a magnet school leadership team makes her an ideal fit for Riverside Magnet School.”

Ms. Ericson and Dr. Salvatore Menzo, Superintendent of Magnet Schools at Goodwin University, see the potential of the Matthews/RMS relationship as one that will expand opportunities for current RMS students and families, as well as students and families of the future.

“We are excited have Ms. Matthews join the Goodwin University Magnet School System team,” said Dr. Menzo. “She impressed both building and administrator interview committees with her knowledge of curriculum and experience in magnet schools. We are excited to have her infuse her passion for scholars and families into the RMS community. Her skills set and proven success will support staff and scholars as we continue to grow the excitement at RMS.”

Learn more about the magnet schools at Goodwin University at www.goodwin.edu/magnet-schools.