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11/08/2017 07:00 AMAt a special Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Nov. 1, East Haven Public Schools’ new superintendent was announced and no introduction is needed. Acting Superintendent of Schools Erica Forti will make her job permanent as the superintendent of schools.
Forti said she’s looking forward to working with faculty, staff, and parents in the community to achieve the vision of the district.
“We have a lot of consequential and exciting work to do that will require a lot of flexibility, change, focus, and collaboration, but there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll succeed because we have a faculty and staff committed to excellence, parents that care about their children’s educational success, and a community of partners willing to support our efforts,” said Forti.
East Haven Public Schools have been without a permanent superintendent since Dr. Portia Bonner’s contract expired at the end of June 2017. BOE Chairman John Finkle said that following the first round of interviews, it was clear that Forti was a good candidate for the job, one that was “on the ground running,” had proven herself, and was ready to go.
“I think she’s got some great visions for this district, and I think now that she’s in the lead position, I see great things coming down the pipe with her as superintendent of schools,” Finkle said.
On Nov. 1, two BOE members abstained from voting, with another member absent from the meeting. BOE member Christine Maisano said she abstained because she felt the process was not finished.
Maisano said the board paid a lot of money to the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education to assist in the process, and felt the board should conduct the process from beginning to end with complete transparency. She also said she was not presented with a contract for the position, a claim backed by BOE member Louis Pacelli, who also abstained from the vote.
Formerly the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, Forti said she hopes that someone will replace her in that role moving forward, adding it will be necessary to keep the focus on teaching and learning. Asked if the position will probably be brought before the BOE in the future, Forti said yes.
According to a press release, Forti has been with the East Haven school district for 11 years serving as the district curriculum coordinator before promotion to assistant superintendent in September 2011.