June 12, 2025
Plainfield Public Schools Appoints Natasha Hutchinson as Assistant Superintendent
Plainfield, CT – The Plainfield Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Natasha McKain Hutchinson as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent – Director of Talent, Instruction, and Curriculum, effective July 2025.
A lifelong educator and proud member of the Plainfield community, Hutchinson brings more than 25 years of continuous service to Plainfield students. Her appointment reflects a deep-rooted commitment to educational excellence, leadership development, and student success within the district she has long called home.
“Mrs. Hutchinson exemplifies what it means to lead with vision, collaboration, and heart,” said Superintendent Paul Brenton. “She emerged as a leader in the candidate pool early. Her long-standing dedication to the Plainfield community, coupled with her extensive experience in instruction and leadership, makes her an exceptional choice to help guide our schools into the future.”
Mrs. Hutchinson began her career with Plainfield in Plainfield Catholic School as a Kindergarten Teacher in 2000, and joined Plainfield Public Schools as a second-grade teacher in 2005. She quickly established herself as a leader among her peers, serving as grade-level team leader, mentor, and Moosup Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. She went on to become a Reading Specialist, developing and overseeing K–3 intervention and acceleration plans, facilitating staff development, and serving on key district-level steering committees.
Her leadership trajectory continued as she assumed the role of Assistant Principal at Shepard Hill Elementary School in 2014, where she supported daily operations, climate initiatives, and professional learning. In 2015, she was appointed Principal of Plainfield Memorial School, where she has led a building of over 300 students and 60 staff. During her principalship, Hutchinson directed school improvement planning, implemented Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and mentored new and aspiring administrators, both within the district and through partnerships with Sacred Heart University.
Hutchinson’s influence extends beyond her school building. She has been a consistent contributor to district initiatives, including the Teaching and Learning Committee, and played a key role in the adoption of the district’s core reading program. She was named a Panelist for the CT State Department of Education Consortium on Literacy in 2024, and is a recipient of multiple grants, including the Professional Learning with Impact Grant and a Connecticut Reading Association Grant.
In reflection on her impact at Plainfield Memorial School, parent Jaime Hart noted, “We will certainly miss her. Her ability to work with not just the children and her staff but also the families is a true talent that not many have! I thank her often but I feel like that will never be enough for what she’s done for our family and many others.”
Her leadership is grounded in equity-focused practices and a strong belief in public education as a transformative force. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College, a Master’s in Teaching, and a Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University. She also holds Connecticut administrative (092) and teaching (013, 102) certifications.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hutchinson has deep personal ties to the Plainfield area. A long-time resident, she lives in Plainfield with her family and has built strong partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, and fellow educators. Her collaborative approach, institutional knowledge, and vision for student-centered learning have earned her the trust and respect of colleagues, families, and stakeholders throughout the district.
“Mrs. Hutchinson has been a truly exceptional leader at Plainfield Memorial School. As principal, she brought a vision of collaboration, high standards, and compassion that has helped shape our school into a place where students, staff, and families thrive. Her door was always open, and her enthusiasm for innovation and excellence in education never wavered. The PTO is especially grateful for the strong partnership we’ve enjoyed with Mrs. Hutchinson over the years. She has been a friendly, dependable, and approachable presence—always ready to support our initiatives, attend our meetings, and celebrate the school community alongside us. Her dedication went above and beyond expectations, and her leadership made a lasting impact on both the culture of the school and the success of our students.”
-Sherry Harmon- Plainfield Memorial School PTO President
In being appointed to the position Mrs. Hutchinson noted, “I am incredibly honored and excited to take on this new role,” said Hutchinson. “Plainfield has shaped who I am—as an educator, a leader, and a person. My family and I owe much to this community. I look forward to continuing to serve this amazing community and working alongside our talented staff to ensure every student is prepared for success. ”
Contact:
Paul M. Brenton
Superintendent of Schools
[email protected]