Stamford School Board Hires Consultant to Conduct Superintendent Search

The Stamford Board of Education (BOE) announced Thursday that it has hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), based in Rosemont, IL, the executive search division of ECRA Group, Inc., to conduct the search for a superintendent for Stamford Public Schools (SPS).

Superintendent Winifred Hamilton is retiring effective Dec. 31, after serving the district as an educator, coach, administrator and superintendent for the past 46 years.

“Hiring the right leader for Stamford is the most critical responsibility of the BOE,” Stamford BOE President Jackie Heftman said in a statement. “The BOE is confident that HYA has the experience and track record of success to identify and place a strong, long-term leader in Stamford. We are committed to working with HYA to ensure the opinions of all our stakeholders are considered in choosing the district’s next leader.”

The cost of the search was not disclosed.

The board is working with HYA to set up focus groups with school staff, parents, students, elected officials, and community members to identify the leadership qualities these constituents feel are most important in an effective superintendent.

Focus groups are tentatively set for Oct. 27, 28, 29, and Nov. 2 and 4. Details regarding the location and time of the focus groups will be announced in the coming week. A survey will also be made available to all members of the community regarding the qualities of the superintendent on the SPS website from Friday, Oct. 23 through Monday, Nov. 9.

HYA is also responsible for conducting the search for a qualified Interim Superintendent to lead the district during the superintendent search and transition. It is expected that an interim candidate will be in place in December.

The HYA team is comprised of Vice President Dwight Pfennig, Ed.D.; East Coast Regional President William Adams, Ed.D; and Associate Gary Richards, Ed.D. All members of the team have first-hand experience as superintendents.