Hartford’s new superintendent kicked-off the school year with a convocation for district teachers on Monday.
Dr. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez replaced former Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, whose contract with the city was not renewed last year.
During her convocation speech, Schiavino-Narvaez outlined goals for her tenure, including a commitment to building successful relationships with teachers and parents.
"Making the time to talk with one another. To share our hopes and our dreams for our children. Just, making sure we invest in our relationships with one another,” Schiavino-Narvaez said.
She praised progress made by the district over the last few years, such as an increase in the graduation rate of students from 32 percent to 71 percent. But she insisted that more can be done.
“The truth that although we have seen double-digit gains in reading and math, only half of our students read proficiently and only a third are proficient in math,” she said.
Schiavino-Narvaez said she is committed to improving equity for all of Hartford’s schools.
"If any place can really, take a school system to the next level, close achievement gaps and do it in really innovative and creative ways, Hartford can do it,” she said.
For a look at Schiavino-Narvaez’s entry plan, click here.