Weekly Message from the Superintendent

January 13, 2023

Dear Staff and Families,

I want to thank Dr. Mark Bonasera, Principal, and the members of the Roxbury school community for hosting our first monthly visit with Stamford Realtors.  This new program provides our local realtors the opportunity to visit schools with me to learn more about our district and see some of the incredible work being done by our students and their teachers.

During the visit, our guests received information about Roxbury as well as copies of the SPS Quarterly and the SPS Annual report.  As you may have guessed, there was considerable interest in the long-term facilities plan that includes building a new K-8 Roxbury School on the current site, as well as questions about our career connected pathway work.

We look forward to our next visit in February, when realtors will have the opportunity to visit Hart Magnet.

Elected Officials Back to School with SPS and the SEA

Speaking of school visits, the public affairs office, in collaboration with the Stamford Education Association (SEA), is hosting a unique opportunity for City Board members to spend time in our schools and classrooms.  This will provide an opportunity for our elected officials to learn more about what a typical day of school is like for our students, teachers, and staff.  The goal is to bring additional context to how operating and grant dollars are utilized.

2023-2024 School Calendar

At Tuesday night’s Labor Committee meeting, the BOE reviewed and discussed the draft 2023-2024 calendar.  The final vote is scheduled for the Regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, January 24.  If you missed the Labor Committee Meeting, please click here.

Community Conversation

Last night, Stamford Public Schools, in collaboration with the Parent Teacher Council, hosted a budget listening session.  Director of Finance Ryan Fealey provided a brief overview of the budget process and invited staff and families to share ideas and thoughts about the budget.

During our next Student Voice session, scheduled for January 24 at 5 p.m., our students will have a similar opportunity to share their ideas about the budget.

Please mark your calendar for Tuesday, January 31, 2023 to join the Board of Education for department budget presentations with focuses on facilities, special education and support services, teaching and learning and school development.

We are Hiring

January serves as the official kick-off of the hiring season.  During this time, we are focused on early hiring for roles that are difficult-to-fill.  The Dolan and Rippowam communities are also in the process of hiring a principal.

We continue to actively recruit and hire for immediate open positions including substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff.  Please click the following link for more information.

Board of Education Appreciation

Finally, January is Board of Education Appreciation month.  Please join me in recognizing our BOE members for their hard work and commitment to Stamford Public Schools.  I think we often forget that BOE members are volunteers who give up time with family and friends to help guide our District and its 23 sites.

I encourage you to take a moment this month to reach out to our Board of Education members to say “thank you.”
 

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent

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