Wihbey noted that this year, the system greatly reduced chronic absenteeism from 12% to 9%, improved achievement levels in physical education, and increased work-based learning so students have working experiences during the school year. “We’re really proud of the fact that we’re under the state average,” said Wihbey about reducing absenteeism. He credits a proactive approach in which guidance counselors, social workers, and administrators work with families to reduce missed school days.

Robert Trefry, CTECS Chair and the former Chief Executive Officer of Bridgeport Hospital said, ““It’s been an exciting year.” Trefry noted one of the year’s most substantial accomplishments was the development of the strategic operating plan. “Mr. Wihbey has done a great job working with the people in all the schools and all the stakeholders to assess where we are. The final results really reflect where the Board wants to go.”

The partnership between NVCC and the CTECS promotes several of the College’s strategic plan goals including being an engine of change through workforce development and employment growth. In 2016, NVCC began a partnership with CTEC school Henry Abbott Technical High in Danbury when NVCC trained its first cohort of students in a 22-month evening program in Advanced Manufacturing Technology held at the high school. The students who received certificates became qualified to work in machine technology and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing environments.

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., who also serves on the CTECS Board said, “I value our relationship with the CTECS because it results in opportunities for our students, industry partners and the community we serve.  It is a pleasure to serve on the Board and to support in whatever form I can the good work being done at the high schools.”