Leader Named At School For Deaf

From: Hartford Courant - United States - Jul 8, 2006

New Chief Had Been Assistant Previously

By FULVIO CATIVO
Courant Staff Writer

July 8 2006

WEST HARTFORD -- Edward F. Peltier, a veteran administrator of education for the deaf, was appointed Friday as the new executive director of the American School for the Deaf.

The announcement follows a year-long, nationwide search for the 12th executive director of the school, which was founded in 1817.

Peltier, 60, was the president of the Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2003. Prior to that, he was the assistant executive director at the West Hartford school for 21 years. Officials expect him to take his post on Aug. 21.

"I am delighted to be coming back to the American School for the Deaf as its next executive director," Peltier said in a written statement released Friday. "The school is a very special place, one that holds an important place in Connecticut and in deaf education nationally."

The American School for the Deaf, which had about 240 students last school year, is the birthplace of deaf education in the United States.

School officials praised Peltier, who has worked more than 30 years in the field.

"Ed brings a wealth of experience, insight and passion for students and deaf education to this venerable institution and I am confident that he is well prepared to lead the school to our next phase of excellence," Fred A. Larson, president of the ASD board of directors, said in the announcement.

Peltier will succeed Harvey J. Corson, the school's first deaf executive director, who led the school since 2001. Corson could not be reached Friday to discuss his plans.

The executive director serves as CEO for the institution. He oversees the school's departments, and administers policies from the school's board of directors.

Contact Fulvio Cativo at fcativo@courant.com.
Copyright 2006, Hartford Courant