Most citizens are only familiar with the BOE from the monthly regular meetings. The fact is that the position consumes vast amounts of time for meetings, correspondence, negotiations, etc. Dedication and focus are not skill sets but are essential requirements.

I have had decades of experience working with young people as a teacher, school administrator, mentor, and community center director. I have directly and positively impacted young lives from pre-school through college, from every sector and economic level of our city. My knowledge of Stamford and dedication to our community is second to none.

Lastly, I am persistent and do not ever believe in giving up on good ideas, and good people regardless of the struggle if there is a reasonable chance to make things better.

Experience.
Vision.
Humility.
Leader-Educator

I will work to find a superintendent that will be a true “fit” for the right-now needs of a diverse Stamford, possessing an educational vision and the ability to capture/galvanize support for the work we must do to elevate SPS into the future. That person should be a “leader-educator” with a record of success, but more importantly one who has clearly been tested and managed successfully through some significant district-wide educational challenge(s) in their prior role. Their strength of character should be humble enough to engage our community at all levels and durable enough to withstand withering criticism.

We all know that there’s more than one issue in need of attention. While naming one, I can think of 5 others that are just as important. The one I would choose in this moment comes from the preceding question.

We are in search of just the right superintendent for Stamford. For far too long our schools have been a source of division within our community. We have been presented with an opportunity that can be seen as a gift to create space and allot the time to speak to one another about our aspirations for our schools. Our district needs are like many others across the nation, yet there are clearly some concerns that are unique to Stamford. Our search allows us to once again discuss and reset our values and expectations for our schools. And just possibly to be on one accord. To accomplish that requires the engagement of our entire community from students, teachers, families, business community, not-for-profits, our elected leaders, the faith community, and the city’s taxpayers.

So, while some want to relitigate the past, I know that as a community, we have the power to create an inflection point that can propel our future growth. That’s why, as President of the board I am working hard now to ensure that we do not miss this opportunity to have what should be difficult, frank, productive, and inspiring conversations about our next school leader and our community’s aspirations that will inform that choice and a new direction.