Watertown, CT - November 16, 2024 - The Watertown Board of Education is proud to announce the next Athletic Director of the Watertown Public Schools.
Mr. Aaron J. Bunel of Southington, CT was selected after a strong group of candidates completed multiple rounds of intense interviews with varying stakeholders including, teachers, administrators, parents, students, coaches and Board Members, from across the WPS community. Out of a group of seasoned professionals all vying for the job, Mr. Bunel rose to the top at each round for his unwavering focus on ensuring a truly student centered and well rounded athletic experience for all students.
“The Athletic Director role is truly one of the greatest gifts in our school district. What better role can there be than to be the visionary leader of the department that provides students with the opportunities to play the sports they love; work collaboratively with other athletes to represent themselves, their team, their community and their district; and to compete at high levels with the dreams of collegiate level sports opportunities,” said Dr. Villanueva, Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Bunel believes in collaboratively working with all organizations in a community to cultivate the strongest athletic experience for students in the WPS community. “I know how important traditions, history and legacy are in the world of athletics. And, I am also aware how important it is to continue moving forward to keep programs growing, thriving, current and competitive. All of this can only be achieved with everyone’s collaborative work towards a common goal. Coaches, town organizations, alumni, parents, everyone. It includes everyone. Everyone’s voice matters and so do their experiences. It’s important to me to get to know those who are, and have been, a part of the WPS athletic fabric long before I ever arrived here,” he said.
A visionary, organized and hardworking Athletic Director gets to lead and work alongside the amazing coaches we have in the WPS district to grow the Athletic Department into a dynamic and coveted place to be for students and community members alike. “Being a coach and an educator can have such an impact on a young person’s life when they are school age. With a strong leader at the helm of our Athletic Program, we hope to provide our already strong coaching staff with the support they need to continue growing each one of our sport programs into what they hope for in the future,” said Ms. Marie Kashuba, Business Manager.
Upon speaking to those who are currently or have worked with Mr. Bunel, every single one of them remarked that his dedication to student centered coaching and mentoring was next to none. His focus on ensuring that all student athletes demonstrate successes both in the athletic arena and in the academic classroom was a repeating theme as people spoke of his strengths. In addition, Mr. Bunel’s own athletic achievements and longtime name in the world of athletics in CT demonstrates a growing history and positive impact on youth sports that can be depended upon. As many of his supporters shared, no matter how difficult, intricate, or large the task, Mr. Bunel can be depended on to put in the heart, soul, and acumen needed to get the job done and done well.
Mr. Bunel is currently Assistant Principal at Thomaston High School and was an Athletic Director for eight years prior to his building administrator role. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut and his Masters of Education from the University of Bridgeport. In addition, he holds his Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport.
It is without a doubt that Mr. Aaron Bunel will be a strong addition to the Watertown Public Schools. He will officially begin his new role on Monday, December 16, 2024. Welcome to Watertown Mr. AJ Bunel!