Stamford's Interim Superintendent Gets the Nod

STAMFORD, Conn. – Stamford’s Board of Education can now begin searching for a new school district leader after naming Winifred Hamilton as the interim superintendent during its meeting Tuesday night. Hamilton had been the acting superintendent since June.

“I am very humbled,” Hamilton said of her new title. Her predecessor, Superintendent Joshua Starr, left the Stamford Public Schools to lead the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Hamilton has served in the Stamford schools since 1971 in a variety of roles, including as principal of Dolan Middle School and as deputy superintendent under Starr.

“She is very dedicated to the district and always seems to step up wherever we need her,” board member Lorraine Olson said of Hamilton’s experience in the district.

A few members of the public shared their support for Hamilton before she was named to the position. Although not naming Hamilton, Tom Young expressed the need to look at female candidates for the job and to rid any preconceived notions about why a man has to serve in the role. “Everything I found as to why you should hire a male superintendent is based on myth,” the Stamford resident said.

Jack Bryant, president of Stamford’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, expressed the need for continuity in the superintendent's position, which would make Hamilton the best choice.

“When I think of continuity, I think Winnie Hamilton,” he said, giving Hamilton the chapter’s backing.

Although continuity was a theme of Tuesday’s meeting, Hamilton said she will not be a candidate for the permanent position of superintendent but is willing to stay on while the search is under way. “This district deserves someone who will serve it well and improve education for all students,” she said.

The board also all of its members to the Personnel Search Committee for the superintendent position. A search firm will be hired by Dec. 6 to help look for candidates to be the next superintendent.

You can reach reporter Anthony Buzzeo by email, tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com. 

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