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By Dr. Rebecca Hamman
The Stamford Board of Education (BOE) members need to do their homework, and do it well.
With the superintendent’s contract ending in June, this leader is at it again, still trying to force change. After last year’s flexible schedule fiasco, she is now proposing to transfer several administrators. Although transitions may be voluntary or involuntary, at least two long-term principals could be ripped out of their positions and asked to fulfill new ‘strategic’ roles next year—evidently there are problems that only these two individuals can fix.
Piercing the Soul of Stamford
Not surprising, but this decision has pierced the soul of Stamford. Students, families and educators alike are extremely irate. Student walkouts, a protest rally, media coverage, and then a Regular BOE meeting on March 24th at 7pm (at the Government Center or via Zoom), as well as two Stamford Administrator Union (SAU) Grievance Hearings on March 25th at 6pm are also taking place at the Government Center. Anger is boiling up from everywhere.
Knowing this superintendent has had seven years to address problems, it is disconcerting that she still believes top-down decision-making works best. Although the SAU contract (Article 8) may allow for administrative transfers, doing it before she exits the district is not healthy, nor conducive to the well-being of Stamford. Most concerning, it is not about selecting motivated professionals with appropriate skill sets, it seems to be about handling unfinished business. To say the least, thousands of stakeholders are now infuriated.
Board of Education Responsibilities
As elected officials, BOE members have plenty of homework (Policy 9000). They not only govern the district, set policy, oversee budgets and ensure student success, they supervise one employee—the Superintendent of Schools. In helping with these duties, they delegate authority to the superintendent who manages daily operations, implements district goals, supports staff and oversees programs.
It is time for the BOE to re-direct the superintendent of schools. Surprises like destabilizing the entire district is not appropriate when a new superintendent will be stepping in July 1st. Hopefully, the BOE will listen, hear and address the public outcry this week. Certainly, they must understand that calmness is needed, trust must prevail, and there is no room for rash decisions. Ultimately, the BOE directs the superintendent and can make changes.
Integrity Matters
If there ever is a time, integrity matters most in how this is handled. Taxpayers of Stamford—especially our students, families and educators—don’t deserve to be treated this way. We will build a world-class district and this newly formed BOE is ready to make a difference. They are doing their homework.
Dr. Rebecca Hamman currently serves as a member of the Stamford Board of Education. She is a career educator (teacher and administrator) and has worked 11 years elementary and 15 years secondary. Her comments are her own, and do not represent the official views of the Board of Education or its committees.
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