“I want my [tenure as superintendent] bookends to be about equity,” Dr. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez said.
“It’s not just about surviving. It’s not just about graduating. . .. It’s about thriving.”
Immediately following Monday’s press conference to unveil Schiavino-Narvaez’s entry plan, she met with the transition team.
Larry Leverett, a former superintendent and Assistant State Commissioner of Education, is the chair of that eleven-member team, which also includes Jennifer Allen, Paula Altieri, Andres Alonso, Richard Lemons, Sheryl Petty, Enid Rey, Kelvin Roldan, Maree Sneed, Jonathan Swan, and Robert Villanova.
The team will be conducting an assessment of Hartford Public Schools in five areas: Leadership and Organizational Culture; Teaching and Learning; Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency; Equity, which includes English Language Learners, Special Education, and open choice; and, Family and Community Engagement.
Schiavino-Narvaez, now a Hartford resident, said she was “excited and honored” to be selected for this position and asserted that a great relationship between the superintendent and Board of Education is required if there is to be a “great outcome” for kids in the district.
“There’s a clear focus in putting the students first,” in Hartford, something she described as an asset.
Rich Wareing, the Chair of the Board of Education, said the incoming superintendent is “deeply committed to more equity in the system.”
He explained why Schiavino-Narvaez made the cut: “she’s transparent […] open and self-effacing.”
Dr. Jacqueline Jacoby has been serving as the special assistant superintendent since the end of March, as Dr. Christina Kishimoto spent the final three months of her contract on vacation. Jacoby’s last day under contract is June 30, 2014.