First Selectman's Office
I began my first term as Bethany’s First Selectwoman on July 1, 2019. Prior to my election to this office, I became a member of the Amity Board of Education (for two years) shortly after my retirement from the Amity District after 20 years of working in the District Offices in Personnel and for the Superintendent of Schools.
As First Selectwoman in our small town, I wear many hats and enjoy doing so. I also represent the Town of Bethany on the Boards of Council of Small Towns (COST), Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) and South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG). These organizations do much of the groundwork to help towns throughout Connecticut stay on top of and address current issues.
As our new website gets up and running, I start my second year of my second term. My first term came with some challenges, which included a pandemic, tropical storm and tornado. Bethany came through it all more resilient and stronger. With the start of my second term in July 2021, we were getting back to a new normal. We are Bethany strong!
Our beautiful rural town of Bethany was first settled in 1717, but it was not until May 1832 before Bethany separated from Woodbridge to become incorporated as a town. Bethany is situated in south central Connecticut, midway between New Haven and Waterbury, and covers 21.6 square miles. It is home to approximately 5,200 residents. We are a hub town on Routes 63 and 69 North/South and Route 42 East/West surrounded by Woodbridge, Seymour, Beacon Falls, Naugatuck, Prospect, Cheshire and Hamden.
The Town is mostly agricultural and residential with some light industry. There are no municipal water or sewer services. The town is dotted with wooded areas, streams and over 6,000 acres of open space. Residents and visitors can enjoy the many trails around town.
Bethany Community School is the elementary school for grades Pre-K through 6 for approximately 400 Bethany students. Bethany is part of the Regional District #5 school system (grades 7-12) which also includes the towns of Orange and Woodbridge. Amity Middle School-Bethany Campus is on Luke Hill Road in Bethany for Bethany and Woodbridge students in grades 7 and 8. Dictated by population, Amity Middle School-Orange Campus is also grades 7 and 8 for Orange students only. Amity Regional High School is located in neighboring Woodbridge where all three towns come together for grades 9-12. Each of the towns has its own elementary system. Many know the system as BOWA (Bethany, Orange, Woodbridge and Amity).
Bethany, CT is a family friendly suburban town with a wonderful and involved community. Bethany ranges from 15-30 minutes in proximity from the city and many reputable Connecticut colleges including Yale, Quinnipiac, Albertus Magnus, SCSU, and University of New Haven. Nonetheless, the small town is loved for the clean air, privacy, and excellent education system.
Bethany retains the Town Meeting form of government. The Annual Town Meeting is held the third Monday of May at which time the annual budget is approved. Special Town Meetings are held as needed.
When you come to Town Hall, stop and say hello.
First Selectman
Paula Cofrancesco
First Selectman
Executive Assistant
Human Resources Administrator
Jennifer Cafasso
203-393-2100 x1100
Contact
Selectman's Office
Bethany Town Hall
40 Peck Road
Bethany, CT 06524