Region 15 Superintendent of Schools Joshua Smith is pleased to announce that Danielle McCauley has been appointed as Region 15’s Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics. The appointment was approved by the Region 15 Board of Education at its Special Meeting on July 9, 2026. Her appointment is effective beginning July 13th.

The position garnered 26 applicants and included a comprehensive interview process involving district administrators, teachers, staff members, coaches, and parents. As Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics, Mrs. McCauley will lead Region 15's comprehensive K-12 programs as well as the Region’s Athletic teams.  

“Mrs. McCauley brings both a clear vision and a proven track record for leading Health, Physical Education, and Athletics through connected K-12 programs that support the success and well-being of students both in our schools and on our fields. Throughout her time in Region 15, she has demonstrated the value of this coordinated approach by leading districtwide curriculum development, instructional improvement, and professional learning while also providing leadership for our athletic programs,” Superintendent Smith shared.

Her collaborative leadership style, deep knowledge of curriculum and instructional standards, as well as her commitment to continuous improvement have helped strengthen our programs and position them for continued growth.

“She understands that investing in educators and coaches is the foundation of high-quality health, physical education, and athletics programs that help students become confident, healthy, and resilient learners. Her ability to bring together staff, students, families, and the community around a shared purpose has created a strong foundation for continued growth and success. I am confident that under her leadership, these programs will continue to evolve as a unified experience that promotes student wellness, strengthens learning, and provides every student with opportunities to grow, lead, and succeed,” Smith continued.

Mrs. McCauley's journey in Region 15 reflects a career built on service, leadership, and commitment to students. She first joined the district as a physical education teacher in 2010 before serving as a wellness teacher in Madison Public Schools. She returned to Region 15 in 2015 as a health and physical education teacher at Pomperaug High School, where she has become a respected instructional leader recognized for her commitment to student success, educator collaboration, and program growth.

As her leadership responsibilities expanded, Mrs. McCauley became the district's K-12 Instructional Teacher Leader for Health and Physical Education. In this role, she led curriculum development, supported instructional improvement, and designed district-wide professional learning opportunities to strengthen teaching and learning across all grade levels. She has also served as a Connecticut TEAM Beginning Teacher Mentor and Cooperating Teacher, helping to prepare and support the next generation of educators.

Her commitment to educational excellence has been recognized beyond Region 15. Mrs. McCauley was named the 2024 - 2025 Connecticut High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CTAHPERD), recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions to the profession.

Throughout her career, Mrs. McCauley has also been deeply invested in fostering a positive school culture. At Pomperaug High School, she has served as Co-Chair of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation process, Student Council Executive Board Advisor, POMP Senate Advisor, and Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach. In each of these roles, she has worked to create meaningful opportunities for students to lead, serve, and grow while strengthening connections throughout the school community. Most recently, Mrs. McCauley has successfully served as Acting Athletic Director for the district.

"I am truly honored to serve Region 15 in this new role," said Mrs. McCauley. "This district has been my professional home for many years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside our outstanding teachers, coaches, administrators, students, and families. I believe every student deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, build confidence, develop lifelong healthy habits, and experience the value of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Together, we will continue building programs that inspire students to challenge themselves, support one another, and reach their full potential."