Granby Board of Education

by Monica Logan

The Board of Education is saddened at the loss of such a long standing and deeply impactful member and former chair of the Board of Education. Cal Heminway served on the Granby Board of Education for over three decades and in that time he proudly supported the students of our schools and was a champion of public education and true public servant.

His voice and action on the Granby Board of Education led to many substantive changes in our school landscape and programs. He oversaw the completions of buildings and renovation projects, improving athletic fields and supporting the development of our beloved Salmon Brook Ecology Center at the middle school. Recognitions during his tenure included: Kelly Lane Intermediate School (Federal Blue Ribbon School and School of Distinction); Granby Memorial High School (Connecticut Vanguard); Granby Memorial Middle School (a two-time Federal Blue Ribbon School and Connecticut Association of Schools’ Middle School of the Year); and the Board of Education CABE Leadership and Distinction Awards for 12 consecutive years. Cal was also instrumental in initiative programs such as pre-school, full day kindergarten, one-to-one computing, the Open Choice Program and various enrichment programs.

Cal served as Granby’s voice on education not only in Granby but at the state and national level. He served with the Capital Regional Education Council (CREC); Connecticut Association of Boards of Education; CREC Foundation; Great Path Academy; State Teacher of the Year Committee; and various legislative committees including Teachers’ Retirement, Magnet School Funding, Enhanced MEHIP Cost Containment Committee, and the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology.

Volunteering and serving on the Board of Education is a labor of love best executed by people who share a deep-seated respect and value of education, the well-being and growth of our student body, an investment in community and a willingness to devote the time to make a difference. Cal embodied all the characteristics of a great board of education member and leader in rare and exceptional form. The Granby educational landscape was forever altered by his volunteerism and investment into our community.

Granby Land Trust

Cal and Sue Heminway had a passion for the environment and for education, and they were truly devoted to our community. Longtime, dedicated and generous supporters of the Granby Land Trust, Cal and Sue didn’t just wish for a better world, they took steps to create it.

Cal supported Sue’s efforts to establish the town’s first recycling program in the 1970s. And Sue supported Cal’s efforts to build the Granby Education Foundation and its Salmon Brook Ecology Center, an environmentally friendly living laboratory where Granby students learn about the environment. In 2017, to honor Sue’s service to the GLT Board, and true to their commitment to protecting our environment, the Heminways made a land gift to the Land Trust, creating The Heminway Preserve in North Granby. Cal and Sue were difference-makers in Granby and their legacy will endure.

Granby Education Foundation

by Kim Becker

Cal Heminway was always prepared. A file with “Education Foundation” on its tab had been on his desk for several years when in 1999 a middle school science teacher advocated for building a living laboratory for Granby students.

Deeply committed to public education and to environmental responsibility, Cal took that dream to heart and began the hard work of raising over $350,000 to build the Salmon Brook Ecology Center. True to form, the project was not only a boon to the science curriculum, it also featured innovative and environmentally-forward technology: geothermal energy for heat, solar panels for electricity, and fish tanks for raising fish for DEEP, hydroponic gardens, and a weather station.

For over 20 years, GMMS students have worked in a space designed to challenge and invigorate their science and technology learning. As the very first project of the Granby Education Foundation, it gave the organization immediate credibility, as Cal knew it would.

Cal Heminway held a belief that a town’s educational system should extend beyond its schools and that opportunities for lifelong learning are essential to the growth and well-being of a community. Throughout his public service career, he sought ways to make that a reality here in Granby. Cal built a strong foundation in GEF, that for over 20 years has raised seed money for innovative educational projects and programs for all of our residents through both the schools and local nonprofits.

Two weeks before his death, Cal attended a GEF board meeting to share with us another of his innovative ideas and even offered to write policy for the board’s review. He lived his mission of public service and belief in strengthening Granby through education and his many other endeavors. GEF will proudly continue his work and dedication to the community.

Connecticut Association of Boards of Education

Cal Heminway was a fierce advocate for the students of Granby and for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE). In addition to his 32 years of service on the Granby Board of Education, he served as a leader at the state level. He began his service on the CABE Board of Directors in 1993, and served as CABE President in 2007-2009.

Cal received the Philip S. Fenster Distinguished Service Award in 2006 in recognition of his advocacy and leadership on behalf of all students. Many of CABE’s leaders have described Cal as their mentor. Cal took the time to offer his support to his board colleagues as well as to the CABE staff.

Cal’s volunteer leadership roles included service on the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), which he chaired in 2000-2001. Always cognizant of the impact of finances on education services, Cal founded the Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility, working collaboratively with municipal leaders.

As a life-long learner, Cal represented Connecticut at national conferences and traveled to China in 2006 with a delegation of state and local education leaders.

Cal remained connected to CABE after his retirement from the Granby Board of Education, participating in the CABE/CAPSS Convention and coming to the office to brainstorm about state and federal education issues until the time of his death. The Cal Heminway Reception Area at the office honors his contributions of time, talent and treasure.

The CABE family will miss our friend and leader.

Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel

Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Past Chairman, NSBA Council of School Attorneys