Cabinet Executive Team
Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Tamu Lucero was named Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools on April 23, 2019. During her 25-year career in education, she has worked diligently to improve the public school system. Dr. Lucero believes education is a global initiative requiring an alliance among all communities to elicit effective and efficient reform. Her primary goal is to ensure that all students exhibit growth that is commensurate with their ability.
Dr. Lucero began her Stamford Public Schools tenure in June 2013, as Assistant Superintendent—Elementary. She assumed the role of Deputy Superintendent in June 2018. Dr. Lucero has led a number of major initiatives over her years in Stamford, including overseeing the Department of Justice review and mandates regarding English Learner commitment, the establishment and opening of a new inter-district K-8 magnet school, and serving as a critical member of the City of Stamford and Board of Education’s Mold Task Force. In 2016, the AASA, School Superintendent’s Association, named Dr. Lucero an Aspiring Woman Leader.
Dr. Lucero began her education career in the Columbus Public School District as a third-, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Franklinton Alternative Elementary School. She was also principal of Worthington Hills Elementary in the Worthington School District, of Georgian Heights Alternative School and of Windsor Alternative Elementary School. Dr. Lucero’s efforts as a building and district-level leader focus on creating a responsive environment that is conducive to academic growth and success for all children.
Dr. Lucero holds a Doctorate of Education Degree from Ohio University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, as well as Principal and Superintendent Licenses from The Ohio State University, and an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Wright State University.
Dr. Lucero lives in Stamford and serves as a member of the executive committee of the Stamford Cradle to Career Collective Impact Partnership. She has also been on the Board of Directors for the Bartlett Arboretum and Sound Waters. Since 2015, Dr. Lucero has been an Adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University.
Amy Beldotti, Chief Academic Officer
Since 2019, Ms. Beldotti has been responsible for developing and overseeing the curriculum renewal system, including alignment with standards and assessments, providing content expertise and support to schools, developing professional development and ensuring all students have access to necessary support and high-quality instruction. Additionally, she is responsible for coaching and mentoring principals, as well as developing systems for college and career readiness, technology integration and innovative programming.
Beldotti was previously the principal of Toquam Magnet Elementary School, a position she held for five years. She joined the district in 1998, and served as the assistant principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary for three years and in a number of teaching positions at Stillmeadow Elementary School. Beldotti is a product of SPS, attending Newfield Elementary, Turn of River Middle School and Stamford High School.
Beldotti holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech/English from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University and Educational Administration and Supervision Certification from the University of Bridgeport.
Michael Fernandes, Associate Superintendent for Student Support
As Associate Superintendent for Intervention and Student Support, Dr. Fernandes is responsible for ensuring all students including struggling learners, English Learners and Special Education students have access to high quality instruction and supports.
From 2013-2019, Fernandes supported and supervised secondary programs and administrators, including oversight of Special Education. Prior to joining the Central Office staff, Fernandes was principal at Turn of River Middle school for six years. Fernandes holds a Doctorate of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport, as well as a Master of Science Degree in School Psychology from Miami University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University.
Dr. Lori Rhodes, Associate Superintendent for Access and Opportunity
Dr. Rhodes has been with SPS for just over one year, first year serving as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment–Secondary, before becoming Associate Superintendent in the summer of 2022. Dr. Rhodes oversees the Office of Family and Community Engagement, the magnet lottery process, and the Office of Access and Opportunity (alternative and adult educational programming). Additionally, she is responsible for coaching the magnet school principals and working with them directly on their programming.
Dr. Rhodes has worked in education for over twenty years, serving as a bilingual Spanish elementary teacher, a secondary school history teacher, and an administrator in public, independent, and charter schools in California, New York, and Connecticut. She was also an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Sonoma State University in northern California. Working primarily in Title 1 areas, with English Learners and first generation students, Dr. Rhodes is committed to providing educational opportunities and access for each student by creating a rigorous and supportive college and career ready culture.
Dr. Rhodes holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Binghamton University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction from Columbia University (Teachers College), a Master of Arts in History from Stanford University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in History of Education from Stanford University.
Angela Asaro, Interim Associate Superintendent for Research and Policy
In her new position, Asaro is responsible for managing Stamford Public School data and overseeing the research department to ensure the district meets its data collection and reporting obligations to the state. Additionally, she is responsible for district wide data used for student accountability, program evaluation, and the development of Board of Education policies based on state regulations and district needs. Asaro will provide guidance and direction to the Early Childhood and the Elementary School principals in implementing School Improvement Plans and meeting district goals and objectives.
Until her appointment as Interim Superintendent for Research and Policy, Asaro was the principal of Stillmeadow Elementary School, a position she held since 2017. Under her leadership, Stillmeadow was the first school in the district to pilot and implement the new literacy curriculum being introduced this year in all kindergartens, and rolled out to grades 1-5 over the next two years. Prior, she was Assistant Principal at Toquam Magnet Elementary School from 2014-2017 and Assistant Principal at Stillmeadow in 2013-2014. She began her career with SPS as a student teacher at Stillmeadow, joining the school in 2005 as a co-teacher for second and fifth grade. Asaro was a classroom teacher for eight years, over the course of which she was appointed Elementary Math Liaison in 2007, a Grade Level Leader in 2011, and was awarded the Spotlight in Teaching recognition for excellence in teaching. She is a CT certified elementary school teacher (K-6) and holds an Intermediate Administration and Supervision certification.
Chris Soules, Executive Director, Human Resources & Talent Development
Reporting to the Superintendent, the Executive Director for Human Resources and Talent Development is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the district’s efforts to recruit, retain and support highly qualified employees. The Executive Director for Human Resources interprets policies, regulations and employee agreements for employees, the School Board, and the public. The Executive Director advises the Cabinet and Superintendent regarding all areas of district relations with employee associations, including contract negotiations, and grievance proceedings.
Prior to joining SPS, Soules was an examining attorney of the New York City (NYC) Commission to Combat Police Corruption for six years. He held a number of legal positions through the years, including serving as an assistant corporation counsel with the NYC Law Department and staff attorney with the NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
Soules holds a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law and is a member of the New York State Bar. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
Ryan Fealey, Director of Finance
Since 2020, Mr. Fealey has served as Director of Finance, responsible for the management of all financial resources of the district, including planning, budgeting and forecasting, purchasing, financial reporting and reconciliation, as well as Transportation and Food Service.
Prior to joining SPS, Fealey served as the Vice President, Finance, for Taurus Alternative Strategies, LLC for 12 years. At Taurus, Fealey managed capital budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and credit acquisitions for a portfolio of alternative investment entities. Prior to his role at Taurus, he worked in commercial real estate and in corporate law.
Fealey holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College in New York City, and a Master of Business Administration, with an Advanced Certificate in Financial Management, from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He is also a CFA® charter holder and a certified Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) professional. He is a Stamford resident with one child at Dolan and two at Westover.
Kevin McCarthy, Director of Facility Operations
As the Director of Facility Operations, McCarthy is responsible for the department’s operating budgets, contracts, and invoicing as well as custodial and maintenance staff oversight. Additional responsibilities include coordination, tracking, and reporting of preventative maintenance, repair work, and project work. Oversight of school building use, building custodial services, and exterior grounds maintenance are important activities accountable to the Director.
Michael Smith, Director of Facilities - Capital Projects
Mr. Smith is responsible for the department’s capital budgeting and capital planning. Construction coordination with City Engineering for capital projects in design, construction, and close-out along with maintaining and implementing district wide construction standards are two additional major components of the position. Other responsibilities include coordination and district representation with the State Office of School Construction and Grants related to reimbursable capital projects.