Former superintendent left his mark

By Nicole Zappone Record-Journal staff

PLAINVILLE – This past spring, Superintendent of Schools Steven LePage announced that he was leaving the district, effective July 1.

During his 13 years in Plainville, LePage served as principal at the high school, then assistant superintendent, and, eventually, superintendent. He has been an educator for 27 years.

See LePage, A6

SOUTHINGTON Display of a children’s book about drag queens prompted lengthy debate online and in person Monday during the public library board’s meeting. The board took no action despite concerns from parents about the appropriateness of the book in the children’s section. Other parents defended the book and said it was important for the library to represent everyone in its materials.

A resident posted a picture of the displayed book “If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It” by Lil Miss

Hot Mess at the top of a shelf late last month. Tina Riccio, library board chairwoman and a Republican, said it wasn’t part of a Pride month display or any other LGBTQ-themed display.

Molly Virello, head of children’s services, said the book was in a children’s section devoted to play including dress-up and sports.

The book, a play on the children’s song “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” is intended for children ages two to seven years old, according to reviews.

See Drag, A19