Superintendent Hernandez Retiring At End Of 2022-2023 School Year

BRANFORD, CT —Branford Public Schools Superintendent Hamlet M. Hernandez announced he's retiring at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

Hernandez took the helm of the Branford school system in July 2010 after a decorated career as a US Marine officer and more than a decade of leadership in the Hamden Public Schools.

In a letter announcing he'll retire, he said he was "honored to have journeyed for the past 12 years with such devoted and unrelenting professionals committed to excellence for all.”

In his announcement, Hernandez said during his tenure in Branford, he "instilled a level of fiscal responsibility and control that has resulted in school budgets that supported the district’s students and their emerging, and at times, changing needs."

He also noted that while at the helm, the district "developed new standards-aligned curriculum in all core subject areas that is supported by a robust system for professional learning and growth, including a comprehensive instructional coach model for certified staff."

As the district’s school population has grown more diverse, he noted he's "overseen the expansion of supports for English Learners and increased focus on equity and cultural responsiveness to meet the needs of all students, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, gender identity, or other demographic characteristics."

While superintendent, he noted, Walsh Intermediate School had a major makeover including an entirely new academic wing.

After 13 years as superintendent, he said his next chapter might include "university teaching." But mostly, he said he's looking forward to time with family and, "I may finally be able to convince my wife it’s time for a new puppy."