To the Editor:
During the school year, Stamford’s Board of Education (BOE) will make a decision that will shape the lives of every student, teacher, and parent in our city: hiring a new superintendent. This is not just a simple personnel change, it is the single most important leadership decision in our school district. The right choice can help inspire academic growth and strengthen trust in our schools again. The wrong choice could set us back for a generation. As a candidate for Stamford’s Board of Education and a former student in Stamford schools, I want to explain why we must make the right decision and share the qualities I believe our next superintendent must have.
The urgency to fix our schools is clear. Recent data shows Stamford scored 54.3 in math and 57.9 in reading, both well below Connecticut’s averages of 60.2 and 63.9, and far short of the state target of 75. Additionally, 56% of Black and 60% of Hispanic K-3 students scored below literacy benchmarks showing large learning gaps. Also, the state reports that chronic absenteeism in Stamford was at 22.4%, more than four times the state target, along with persistent achievement gaps that continue to leave too many students behind. In recent months, families, teachers, and even some BOE members themselves have raised concerns about poor governance from the superintendent. Parents feel left out of major decisions. Teachers worry their voices aren’t heard. When controversial changes, like the 4×4 schedule in high schools, were rolled out without serious consideration from important stakeholders, it just pushed the trust that was already fragile even further. Too many students, especially those who need the most support, are falling through the cracks. The Stamford Public Schools (SPS) cannot afford to keep repeating the same mistakes that hinder our success for our students.
As we begin the search for our next superintendent, we have a responsibility to choose someone who can restore trust, raise achievement, and unite our school community. This role demands more than managing daily operations, but requires someone with a vision and a proven ability to deliver results for students. For me, I’d also like to see someone who is from the Stamford area so understand our school district, because when a leader has personal ties to their community, they care deeply about the outcomes. I believe the next superintendent must have specific qualities that will put SPS on a path to success that ensures every student has the chance to learn and lead with both integrity and accountability. Here’s what I believe the next superintendent must bring to the table:
- Experience: We need a superintendent with proven academic leadership and a strong record of raising student achievement and closing learning gaps. Leading a district as large and diverse as Stamford isn’t a place for trial and error. We need someone who’s already navigated challenges, knows what works, and can hit the ground running with proven strategies that deliver results. Our schools can no longer afford experiments that aren’t thought through, like the rushed 4×4 schedule, which disrupts learning and breaks trust with the public. That’s why it’s so important to look for someone with strong experience. But just as important, we need a leader who connects with students directly, who listens to their concerns, understands what they’re going through, and makes them true partners in shaping their own education.
- Communication and Transparency: These are non-negotiable for our next superintendent. Stamford deserves a superintendent who will actually listen to students and parents, meet with teachers, and be visible in our schools. We can’t keep making top-down decisions where parents and teachers are left out because they deserve to know what’s happening in our schools, why decisions are being made, and how those choices will impact students. Updates should be honest and regular, not just polished statements. Whether it’s scheduling changes, budget priorities, or new programs, the voices from the community must have a seat at the table and confidence that their voices are shaping the direction of our schools.
- Accountability: Our next superintendent must value accountability and school safety as a top priority. That means being transparent about results, taking responsibility for both successes and failures, and addressing safety issues head on. We cannot ignore or downplay incidents of violence, bullying, or harassment, as these are serious problems that demand consistent leadership and immediate action when they occur. Families need to have confidence that when they send their children to school, they are stepping into an environment that is both safe and supportive. Safety doesn’t just mean locking doors or having security in the hallways, it means setting clear expectations for behavior, applying discipline fairly, and making sure every student understands that respect and responsibility are non-negotiable. Teachers and staff also need to feel backed up and supported so they can focus on educating. I believe if the new superintendent brings true accountability and a culture of safety, it will build trust in our schools and create an environment where students can achieve.
The choice of a new superintendent should not be political, it is a practical one that focuses on putting our students at the center of every decision. I know the superintendent position is a challenging job, but we must set the standards high because our schools have been falling short of their potential for years. If elected to the Board of Education, I’ll make sure this search process is open, clear, and shaped by the voices of parents, teachers, and students. The superintendent we decide on will shape the future of Stamford’s schools for the next decade, so it’s important that we set the bar high and stick to it. Let’s choose wisely, our students are counting on us.
—
Dennis LoDolce is a Stamford native and candidate for the Board of Education