Frontier, Union 38 school committees renew super’s contract

SOUTH DEERFIELD — The Frontier Regional and Union 38 school committees voted unanimously on Wednesday to renew Superintendent Darius Modestow’s contract for another five years.

Modestow has served the district in different capacities over the years and was named interim superintendent in 2018 before being offered a five-year contract for the permanent role in early 2019. Deerfield Elementary School Committee Chair Carey Etchells, who also chairs the joint meetings between the four elementary school committees and Frontier, said Modestow has been an effective leader for the five schools and has developed a strong rapport with the committees in his time.

“The committees have been very happy with the work Darius has done over the last five years, especially considering how many challenges schools have faced in that time,” Etchells said. “Personally, I consider us fortunate that we have had such a good working relationship with our superintendent.”

Modestow’s new contract, which begins in fiscal year 2025, begins at $165,000, which is about a 5.5% increase in pay to match neighboring districts and also includes two years of 3% increases. The final two years will also see percentage increases matching the cost-of-living adjustments of the Union 38 teachers union, according to Etchells.

In an email, Modestow echoed Etchells’ sentiment on the “strong relationships” they have built. He said he is looking forward to continuing to serve the students of Conway, Deerfield, Sunderland and Whately.

“I am excited to continue to lead the Frontier Regional and Union 38 school districts,” Modestow said. “Over the past six years, I have built strong relationships with school committees and town governments. I am proud of the stability and cooperative leadership that we have achieved, which ultimately benefits our students in the classroom.”