Dear HWRSD School Community,

I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District. In my twenty-nine years of public school experience, I have held a variety of positions, including paraprofessional, teacher, director of special education, and superintendent. Although the fundamental process of teaching and learning is similar everywhere, each district and community is unique. My first priorities as your new superintendent are to understand the local context and establish the relationships that will allow me to guide our work on behalf of students.

This entry plan outlines a process to systematically connect with my new school community so that I can understand the context, history, challenges and aspirations you have for yourselves and our district. The district has been engaged in a strategic planning process to identify priorities for district improvement efforts. This process will complement the work done on the strategic plan by allowing me to build the awareness I need to approach the opportunities and challenges that have been identified.

A “soft launch” of my entry plan has already begun with open office hours throughout the summer. Whether we have already met or will be doing so in the course of the next months, I want to thank you for welcoming me. You have made the transition to my new professional home quite engaging and rejuvenating. I look forward to working with you all to build upon the many strengths of our district.

Sincerely,