Old Saybrook's Joseph Onofrio to be Salem school superintendent

Salem -- The Board of Education has selected Old Saybrook Superintendent of Schools Joseph Onofrio II to be the new part-time superintendent for the Salem school district.

Fourteen candidates applied for the three-day per week year-round position. The search committee selected six candidates based on characteristics and attributes of a new superintendent identified in the Salem Community Profile Assessment Report that was conducted in March, a statement from the school said.

Steve Buck, chairman of the board, said in the statement that Onofrio "brings a wealth of experience to his new position, with an especially strong focus on building school culture and academic excellence. He has demonstrated that he has the vision and skill required to lead the Salem School District forward in a time of shrinking enrollment and continued economic uncertainty."

Onofrio has been Old Saybrook superintendent since 2006. The press release said he graduated from the University of Bridgeport and Southern Connecticut State University and received his superintendent certification from Southern Connecticut State University.

He began his career as a band director at Notre Dame High School in West Haven in 1970. Since then he has served as an English teacher, reading director, guidance counselor, family therapist, and director of pupil and professional services in various school districts throughout Connecticut.

Onofrio will take over Salem Public Schools in the fall. His base salary for the three-day per week position will be $64,906. The comprehensive compensation package also includes an annuity, travel reimbursement and health care benefits.