Hartford Superintendent's Contract Expiring
School Board Working on Plan To Replace Him
By Jeff Cohen - WNPR
Published: Jun 14, 2010
Slideshow
Hartford Superintendent Steven Adamowski
Photo:WNPR File Photo
Audio Playlist
Adamowski
Hartford school Superintendent Steven Adamowski is nearing the end of his five-year contract, and the city’s Board of Education wants to be prepared should Adamowski decide to leave.
Adamowski came to the city in 2006 and has led an ambitious and sometimes controversial plan to reform the city’s schools, introduce school choice, and improve student achievement.
Adamowski's contract expires in February, but the board is considering extending his contract until the end of the school year. Board member David MacDonald says he's always understood that Adamowski would leave after five years.
“I think he’s looking toward the future and we’re trying to make sure that we have covered ourselves and that we can make sure things continue past the tenure of this board of ed and this superintendent.”
So MacDonald says the board is working on a policy to pick a successor in case Adamowski decides to leave.
According to the draft policy now under consideration, the board would first look for a new superintendent from within the current ranks of school administrators. If unsuccessful, the board would then do an external search.
“It’s always better to look inside first, because especially when you’re dealing with such significant reforms, as we are in Hartford, it’s valuable to have people who understand what the reforms are trying to accomplish.”
Milly Arciniegas is president of the Hartford Parent Organization Council. It’s her understanding that the district could have a new superintendent as soon as this fall. And Arciniegas likes the proposed policy for choosing a successor.
“I think it’s a good thing. There are in internal candidates that are good and that have been with us for a long time throughout this reform.”
Both Adamowski and Mayor Eddie Perez declined to comment. Perez is on the board of education.
The board will consider the draft leadership succession plan at a 5:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday.
Send to friend
Printer-friendly version
“I think he’s looking toward the future and we’re trying to make sure that we have covered ourselves and that we can make sure things continue past the tenure of this board of ed and this superintendent.”
-David MacDonald, Board Member
Comments
Post new comment