Windsor High principal ready for a challenge as Stratford schools chief
WINDSOR— Uyi Osunde, principal of Windsor High School since 2016, has accepted the position of schools superintendent in Stratford.
Osunde, one of 22 candidates for the job, said Friday that he was approached when Stratford Superintendent Janet Robinson said she planned to retire.
“I expressed my interest and did well in the interviews,” said Osunde, 39.
A former defensive end and co-captain for the UConn football team in 2003 who played briefly in the NFL, Osunde earned a bachelor’s in psychology from UConn, then later earned a master’s in educational psychology and a doctorate in educational leadership. He is also a graduate of the
Executive Leadership Program at UConn’s Neag School of Education. Osunde also earned a master’s in educational leadership from Southern Connecticut State University and has completed professional education leadership programs at Harvard University.
He is currently completing his certification program — known as an 093 — to be eligible to be a superintendent, but said he has nearly completed it. He is scheduled to begin work in Stratford July 1.
His salary has not been determined yet, and negotiations are ongoing Osunde said.
Osunde, who worked in New London and Manchester public schools prior to becoming principal in Windsor, said he’ll miss “everything” about the district and the town.
“My time in Windsor has been a great experience,” he said. “I have 12 more weeks to soak it in.”
Osunde said he is also looking forward to the challenge of leading a district of about 8,000 students, more than double Windsor’s size. The two share some things in common, he said, including achievement needs and a diverse community “with a tremendous amount of pride.”
“I want to do this work on a larger scale for all kids,” he said
He is also looking forward to reuniting with the head football coach at Bunnell High School, who played for Osunde when he coached in New London.
Stratford Board of Education Chairwoman Allison DelBene said in a release that she was thrilled to welcome Osunde to the district.
“His dedication and commitment to improving education for all is energizing. We were impressed with his collaborative, datadriven, and student-centered approach. We look forward to having Dr. Osunde lead Stratford Public schools.”
Windsor Schools Superintendent Terrell Hill and Windsor Board of Education President Leonard Lockhart declined to comment on Osunde’s time in the district or his departure, but former Windsor Superintendent Craig Cooke, who now heads up Madison’s schools said he was excited for the community, staff and students of Stratford.
“Dr. Osunde is one of the most driven educators that I have ever worked with and accomplished tremendous growth in all measures during his leadership at Windsor High School,” Cooke said. “I have no doubt that the success he has achieved at all levels will translate to district leadership. Stratford is very fortunate to have him.”
Osunde said he appreciated that Cooke and then school board President Cristina Santos took a chance on him five years ago.
“I hope they would say that I delivered in spades,” he said.