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Stamford Wants Elite School Leader

STAMFORD, Conn. — Do you know anyone with a distinguished record for success in education, who is respectful of others and who would be visible in the community? If so, let them know the city of Stamford wants them as its next superintendent of schools.

“The only thing missing is walking on water,” Board of Education president Polly Rauh said after hearing consultant Jackie Jacoby’s report on the community involvement phase of the board’s superintendent search. Jacoby is a former superintendent and current search consultant for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education.

Jacoby also noted that many do not want to see a complete upheaval of the schools when the next superintendent takes over. Instead, they would like that person to take time to analyze the current programs and continue what is working and build on it, she said.

The report resulted from feedback in 28 focus groups with parents, school staff members, community groups and high school students, as well as from surveys. She said more than 500 people participated. They were asked to share what they view as Stamford’s strengths, the immediate concerns facing the schools and qualities they want a superintendent to possess.

The report will be transformed into a profile and sent to websites for candidates to see and apply, Jacoby said. Her findings will be made public soon on the district’s website.

The superintendent position has been open since April when Joshua Starr took a job to lead the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Winifred Hamilton, former deputy superintendent under Starr, took over as acting superintendent and is now interim superintendent.

The board will now hire another search firm to find potential candidates. Ideally, the board would want to hire by April who could take over in July. Jacoby said she would be willing to share any of her findings with the second firm. 

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