Elicker Appoints 2 New Members of New Haven Board Of Education

NEW HAVEN, CT — With two existing vacancies on the New Haven Board of Education, Mayor Justin Elicker has named two appointees to the board pending approval by school officials.

Elicker has announced he has appointed OrLando Yarborough III and Abie Quiñones-Benítez to fill the two board vacanies. The appointments will fill positions being vacated by Tamiko Jackson-McArthur and Larry Conaway and are subject to approval by the New Haven Board of Alders.

Yarborough, a scientist by training and chair of the Friends Center for Children board will bring his knowledge of early childhood education and STEM education to the Board of Education and Dr. Quiñones-Benítez specializes in English as a Second Language curriculum development and has a long history of service to New Haven Public Schools, the release said.

“Collaboration is one of our core values,” New Haven Superintendent Iline Tracey said in the release. “I look forward to working with these new Board members as we work to advance the vision and mission of New Haven Public Schools.”

Both appointees expressed excitement about joining the Board of Education.

I’m honored and excited about the opportunity to serve on the New Haven Board of Education,” Quiñones-Benítez said “As a student assistant in the then Fair Haven Middle School I saw the needs and talent of all of our students, I pursued certification and made a commitment to this city. I began my professional career in education at New Haven Adult Education and had the privilege of serving as a school counselor, an instructional coach, an assistant principal and principal in this district serving students PreK-12.

“I’ve seen firsthand not just the challenges our students face, but also the opportunities available to them. I know our schools have what it takes to help our kids learn, grow, and thrive – I’m excited to do my part to make that happen.”

Yarbrough expressed similar sentiments.

“As a leader and coach, I’ve spent most of my life investing in the success of people,” Yarborough said. As a father and Board Chair at Friends Center for Children the success of these kids is personal to me. I’m thankful for this appointment and looking forward to helping each child in New Haven maximize their potential.”

Quiñones-Benítez is an educational professional with an expertise in English as a Second Language learners and curriculum development. She has taught and served in leadership roles at the elementary, high School, and collegiate levels. Quiñones-Benítez began her career in education at New Haven Adult Ed in 1986 where she taught ESOL and Spanish GED classes.

After spending time as a professor at the University of Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State University, Quiñones-Benítez returned to New Haven Public Schools and served two years as vice principal of Hill Regional Career High School and 11 years as principal at Christopher Columbus Family Academy (now FAME). More recently she served as Lancaster, Penn. Director of Schools and is currently serving as a consultant for Meriden public schools.

Yarborough is a leadership consultant, coach, scientist, and faith leader. Since 2015 he has served as Pastor at the Black Church at Yale University. Yarborough also serves as a coach and facilitator at the Yale School of Management while running his own company, The Well Company, which offers coaching and consulting services for STEM and other professionals.

Yarborough serves in leadership capacities of numerous non-profit organizations, including as Board Chair of Friends Center for Children, Board Member of the Yale Alumni Association, and as Co-founder of EMERGE.