Former UConn athlete to be new chief of schools
STRATFORD — A former UConn student-athlete currently serving as principal of Windsor High School will lead the town’s schools come summer.
The Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Uyi Osunde as superintendent effective July 1, replacing Janet Robinson, who is scheduled to retire the day before.
“I am humbled and I am honored,” Osunde told the school board during a special meeting Thursday conducted virtually.
“I believe it became very clear over the last 12 to 13 months the important roles of educators, and the work that we do in partnerships with family and community for children is so important,” he said. “It’s no easy task to shepherd a community through a pandemic, and I understand and I applaud the work of the current district leadership team in this regard.”
Osunde said he looks forward to meeting with staff, students, families and the community “to continue to shepherd the Stratford schools out of what we hope is the back end of this pandemic.”
“When the time is right, I look forward to meeting everybody in person,” he said.
During his brief appearance, he thanked Middletown Superintendent Michael Conner, Madison Superintendent Craig Cooke, Robert Villanova of the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education and his fiancée.
Osunde has deep roots at UConn, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was a co-captain of the football team as a senior in 2003. He later earned a master’s in educational psychology and a doctorate in educational leadership.
He is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at UConn’s Neag School of Education, and also earned a masters in educational leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.
Specific terms have not yet been finalized, and Osunde’s appointment comes on the condition that he obtain a superintendent’s certificate.
A prepared statement announcing Osunde’s hiring said he was chosen from a pool of 22 applicants.
He has been principal at Windsor High School since 2016, and “possesses a wealth of school leadership
experience, serving as a principal, assistant principal and counselor in Connecticut high schools.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Uyi Osunde into our Stratford community,” Board of Education Chair Allison DelBene said. “His dedication and commitment to improving education for all is energizing. We were impressed with his collaborative, data-driven, and studentcentered approach. We look forward to having Dr. Osunde lead Stratford Public schools.”
Though the vote was unanimous, the appointment didn’t come without dissension.
School board member Karen Rodia said that she found Osunde to be likable during interviews, but was bothered that school board members didn’t speak to Osunde’s current coworkers, superiors and subordinates.
“Even if we had to do it on Zoom, we should have done it,” she said.
She also noted Osunde’s lack of the superintendent’s certificate, referred to as an “093,” prior to Thursday’s vote, and also said she was concerned about his lack of classroom experience and lack of experience with finance and budgeting.
Still, she said, she wanted to show support so Osunde could be successful in the position.
“I do wish this vote wasn’t rushed the way it is,” Rodia said. “My vote will be cast with reluctance and reservation due to these concerns.”
After the vote, Osunde addressed Rodia.
“I’m hopeful to be able to dispel some of those concerns for you rather quickly,” he said.
Other board members said Osunde was the best candidate.
“When we finally added up the facts and the advantages of all candidates, Dr. Osunde ended up being on top,” Vincent Faggella said.
“This process has been very strenuous and very stressful to everyone but this is a night of celebration,” Robert DeLorenzo said. “Rooting for Dr. Osunde to do great is rooting for the success of our kids and our community.”
Janice Cupee said the search process was very rigorous.
“It was very detailed. Everyone on the committee had a chance to give input and ask questions,” she said, calling Osunde “a great fit.”
“I’m very proud to have been part of this process, proud to have done this work, and very excited for what’s to come in Stratford,” DelBene said.
School board Vice Chair Amy Wiltsie thanked fellow board members for giving time to the search process, which was overseen by Trumbull-based Cooperative Educational Services and The Bryan Group.
“I feel really positive moving forward,” Wiltsie said.