Hartford Public Schools -

Dear Hartford Public Schools Community,

With a heavy heart full of gratitude, I am writing today to announce my decision to transition from my position as Superintendent and CEO of Hartford Public Schools at the end of the school year. It has been the greatest privilege of my life to spend the past decade in service of the public schools and neighborhoods that nurtured me; of the students, families, and caregivers whose stories mirror my own; and of the community that instilled in me the values that guided every decision I’ve made.

When I accepted the role of Superintendent and CEO nearly eight years ago, I made a promise to pour every ounce of passion, dedication, and love into our collective pursuit of equity and excellence for each student in our care. Together, we are delivering on that promise: 

• We reimagined and right-sized our district, providing broader access to innovative learning facilities like Weaver High, Martin Luther King Middle, Breakthrough Magnet North, Burns Elementary, and Hartford Pre-K Magnet South, as well as the new Bulkeley High and Wish Elementary campuses in progress.

• We improved graduation rates significantly and consistently, including a 10 percent increase among our multilingual learners. Through initiatives like Hope Academy and our Student Support and Success Centers, we work in close partnership with community organizations to offer personalized interventions for previously disengaged students. Through this approach, these young people receive the extra support and guidance they need to get back on track toward graduation and long-term success.

• We transformed our high schools by adding pathways to college and meaningful careers, partnering with industry leaders to expand internships and real-world experiences. Our focus on dual enrollment and workforce certifications has increased access, with more students enrolled in programs that enhance career-ready skills, setting them on a path for success. 

• We lead the state in the number of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy, equipping them with globally competitive, future-ready skills that enhance college and career opportunities.

• We nearly doubled the number of full-service Community Schools campuses, providing students and families with a broad range of services and supports that are strengthening our neighborhoods. 

• We are building one of the strongest, most diverse district teams in the state. Through recruitment and support programs like Paso a Paso and Caribbean Connections, we now lead Connecticut in employing the highest percentage of certified educators of color. And our aspiring leadership academies have helped teachers and school leaders grow their knowledge, skills, vision, and confidence to lead and thrive throughout our district.

• We reformed our funding strategies and introduced equity-based budgeting, ensuring that precious resources can reach the students who need them most.

• We have created conditions for future success — from overhauling reading instruction to develop lifelong learners, to investing in social-emotional learning supports for staff and students, to embracing new data tools and practices to monitor academic outcomes and student engagement.

But it is not just the list of the district’s accomplishments that fill me with pride. Hartford Public Schools allowed me to live my deepest values: service, community, and equity for all. Each student I met along the way reminded me of the child I once was — navigating the challenges of language barriers and poverty, but always lifted by teachers and other caring adults who believed in my potential. This is the same belief I have in all of our students today. Each one of them is capable, deserving, and filled with promise.

I am inspired by our incredible team — courageous people working in every corner of the district, and in every capacity, remaining steadfast in their commitment to all students. They will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the community to carry this work forward. They have the tools, the knowledge, and the heart to advocate for what our children need. I believe in them. I believe in you. And I believe in Hartford.

Though my time as Superintendent and CEO at HPS is coming to an end, Hartford will never leave me. I will take with me the memories of thousands of classroom and home visits, school events and community conversations with students, families, educators, partners and funders that filled me with hope. And that hope remains. Together, we have faced some of the toughest challenges in recent history, and I know Hartford Public Schools will continue to rise because of the foundation we laid. 

Thank you for entrusting me with the honor of serving this extraordinary school district, this amazing community, alongside all of you. I am Hartford, and Hartford will forever be in my heart.