Over the last 13 years as Branford superintendent of schools, Hamlet Hernandez has led the district through many challenges, changes, and times of transition; he’s always done so optimistically.

In fact, fans of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso would instantly recognize the yellow and blue “Believe” sign staffers placed above his door shortly after he led the move of the district and Board of Education central offices from 1111 Main Street to its suite within the new Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) academic building last year.

Reflecting on the changing conditions of public education, coupled with the evolution of the Branford community and its changing demographics, Hamlet says that, while some may not willingly greet such changes, “... I’m an eternal optimist.”

“I think we are a better community, and we continue to evolve as a community. Our public schools are much more representative, today, of the world that our children will be walking into and will be stewards of someday,” he says.

He feels that “...despite the level of uncivil discourse at the adult level,” Branford Public School (BPS) students readily demonstrate their understanding, care, and awareness on issues ranging from the environment to respecting one another as individuals. He tips his hat to the district staff for the work they’ve done to facilitate important conversations among students in a safe way.

“Our kids are able to really engage and talk about what makes them connect to each other, even with people that are different than them. So my heart swells for the students because I know their future is very bright, and they will do wonderful things. They will do better than we have as adults because they are more reflective, connected, and aware of some of the challenges that we face.”

With his retirement this month, Hamlet may finally have some time to reflect on the many milestones he’s overseen, not the least of which include ushering in Branford’s new $88.2 million WIS, as well as leading the district’s faculty, staff, students and families through the educational twists and turns created by a global pandemic.

In addition, he’s shepherded BPS through changes as varied as the proliferation of technology to the impact of social media. The district has also responded during times of national social upheaval as well as responding to the need for increased school safety and security. Hamlet says the district’s success through these times of change is a testament to the staff and the BPS community.

“During my tenure, I’ve worked under three different U.S. presidents that have had different messages, and their messages started to permeate the school district. And yet, we stayed true to learning today in preparation for leading tomorrow.”

The pandemic, building the new WIS, expanding PreK, bringing in elementary-level science programming, transitioning to provide one-to-one technology devices for students, introducing instructional coaching, and security upgrades to schools are among some of the touchstones of transitions experienced under his watch.

Even while undertaking such challenges and initiatives, other elements are also “in orbit,” Hamlet notes, such as addressing district capital improvement projects. A few more recently undertaken in the public eye include reinvigorating the high school tennis courts and the synthetic turf field and track and introducing solar installations at elementary schools. Also, in addition to moving the district offices from Town-owned 1111 Main Street, he’s overseen BPS building reductions, including the former Branford Hills School building, now a town park, and the transition of the former Pine Orchard School to become the home of nonprofit Branford Early Learning Center.

“And, while we’re addressing all of these things, some folks will say, ‘But your scores aren’t the same as Guilford,’” Hamlet acknowledges. “My simple response to that is, ‘We’re not Guilford. We’re Branford, and we should be proud of what we have done.’”

And then, there are those issues that can’t be predicted, including a worldwide pandemic. Leading the district through the evolving crisis, and working with the community to address concerns as the pandemic wore on, was a challenging time. But having resources in place, such as one-to-one devices for remote learning, helped the district to “pivot,” he says. In the wake of the pandemic, the district is embracing new challenges.

“While the hard days of the pandemic are behind us, we’re seeing the effects of the pandemic, and not only with some dysregulated children but with dysregulated adults—who, if they don’t get their way, struggle,” says Hamlet. “And so we need to continue to reassure not only our teaching staff and our students, but our community, that we can do hard things; and we can do hard things without turning on each other.”

Especially in the years prior to the pandemic, Hamlet frequently visited school buildings and the district’s students, establishing a unique rapport.

“Kids know me, and I know kids. I know them by their names,” he says.

He’s developed additional relationships, including one that’s concluding with his retirement, as the ongoing pen-pal of a second-grade student who is now a high school junior. Additionally, during 12 of his 13 years, he mentored three different high school students during their four years at Branford High School (BHS).

“I remember each one of those students. They really taught me a lot and reminded me not only of the importance of education but of the relationship piece that, outside of their family, all children should have with adults that are nurturing, supportive, understanding, listening, non-judgmental.”

He’s also grateful for the relationships formed with district staff over the last 13 years.

“We’ve all done some growing up together. I have staff members that I hired that were not married at the time, that now are married and have beautiful young families. I have staff members that have lost parents, me included. Those touch-points transcend everything and remind us of the work that we do and why we do that work. It’s a gift they’ve given me. It’s a privilege to have been here with and worked with them.”

That being said, he adds, “...I’m sure there are some people here who might have wished I was with them a little bit less! That, to me, is the other part of my adult life of service. I defended my country for 22 years as a Marine officer, and I believe in free speech. My parents fled a country where they were persecuted if they stated any sort of criticism.”

In that vein, Hamlet says he has “celebrated” times when he’s encountered criticism of his leadership.

“I celebrated that,” he says. “To me, we should always have that discourse. But discourse, when it moves into attacks, is not a good model for our children. It’s not productive, and it’s not what we were founded on. It’s not our better angels, as Abe Lincoln, one of my heroes, said. I’m all about being a ‘we thinker’ and not a ‘me thinker.’ And that’s what I’ve tried to model.”

Looking back at his tenure with BPS, Hamlet says, “I think the last 13 years have been just an incredible ride.”

One of Hamlet’s final duties will be attending the BHS Class of 2023 commencement on June 14, when he’ll share his final superintendent’s message for graduates.

As he leaves his career with BPS, Hamlet says he sees a bright future for the town’s public school district.

“We have created a culture of growth and continuous improvement and reflective practice. Are we perfect? Absolutely not. But are we willing to continue to toil toward perfection and being optimistic? Absolutely.”