Mascot controversy

In the fall of 2019, controversy arose over the Valley Regional High School mascot, the "Warriors." Outcry reached a height after many students, former and current, spoke out, arguing that the mascot was disrespectful towards the Native American community. The administration decided to change the mascot. As of 2019, symbols of the Native American "warrior" head were removed from the school. Valley Regional still uses the name Warrior; however, the logo is a "V" rather than a Native American face.^[4]

Eric Rice controversy

This section relies largely or entirely upon a single source. (August 2022)

In July 2010, the Region 4 Board of Education announced its selection of Eric Rice as the new principal of Valley Regional High School.^[5] Superintendent Levy was a vocal advocate for Rice's selection, stating he has "an outstanding background in science, mathematics, and technology,” and a strong “commitment to our school community."^[5]

However, after less than three weeks on the job, reports surfaced of his possible dismissal with unconfirmed accounts that Superintendent Levy had given an ultimatum that Rice resign or face possible dismissal.^{[6][clarification needed]} Approximately two weeks later, the Region 4 Board of Education accepted the resignation of Eric Rice, making him the shortest serving principal in school history.^[7] Board of Education Chairwoman Linda Hall declined to comment on whether Rice's resignation was voluntary.^[7]

An Essex resident filed a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Education against the superintendent, alleging an "abuse of power" by Levy.^[8] The filed complaint also stated that the civil rights of the high school students had been violated due to a supposed "gag order" that "prevented students from discussing the circumstances of Rice’s departure."^[8] The Connecticut Department of Education responded in a letter dated November 8, 2010 dismissing the complaint due to a lack of accompanying evidence to support the allegations.^[8] Superintendent Levy vehemently denied any "gag order" had been placed upon the students at the high school; the Board of Education subsequently hired an independent party (later determined to be Madison lawyer Stacey Lafferty) to investigate reports of a gag order, which found "no evidence or support for the claim that a gag order was issued or sanctioned,” or that the civil rights of students were violated."^[9] The exact reason for the abrupt departure of Eric Rice have remained confidential and were not revealed to residents of Region 4.

Newsweek ranking

In its 2011 edition ranking "America's Best High Schools," Newsweek magazine named the Valley Regional 334th out of 500 nationally.^[3]