New Principals Hired

And what are their salaries going to be?

Robot - did you read the last line?

Dang it, I missed that.

Damn you internet pron!!

Congrats to all three leaders. They are all great people who take the responsibility of school leadership seriously. I trust that they will change practices that are not helping their community of learners. I hope that the board does not allow politics to block the appointments of Denegre, Aeillo, and Diah- who are also capable leaders trained by the district for years and connected to schools/projects that have had results. I am particularly concerned about the decision to not appoint David Diah, a black man with the resume and outcomes to stand against many of the current principals. New Haven is a district in crisis with our approach to educating young men of color. Let us count on one hand the number of black men running schools. I hope that these outstanding leaders do not take positions in other districts as Karen Lott did. I hope that the board is being led to make these decisions based on something other than politics.....I respect each board member and I want to trust their leadership.

I also congratulate the new appointees however., I do have to agree on their passing some appointments. Aiello has never worked at the building level. Placing her as a principal would be a mistake. DeNegre has limited experience as an administrator.

I do respect all the appointees yet some have been promoted without expirence. And the limited experience they have, has not been in a positive situation.

Btw, Karen Lott is still in her currently position.

The point is, some of the administrators appointments be Harries have no ryme or reason. One may even think he is getting desperate. He should have submitted the reorganizational chart as requested by the board are and conducted a comprehensive search for the best candidates. Not what's left. Anyone know where the formal principal from Barnard is going yet????

Right. The board should consider a buy-out!!! Lack of planning or decision making now became a rush to fill principal positions.

Out kids deserve better.

The three appointed went through a rigorous process and had the experience for the jobs. The other do not.

Donna Aeillo - has never been a school principal. Garth Harries wanted her out of HR so that he could control that dept., so he tried to send her to the place where he thought she could do the least damage. The BOE disagreed.

DeNegre - two years of limited experience as an assistant principal. Very mixed reviews from her previous assignment. The BOE made the right decision on this one also.

Diah - moved from teacher to Principal in less than a year. His one assignment at Hillhouse was a disaster. Actually embarrased himself at the BOA hearing on Hillhouse in front of hundreds of people. Why would the BOE make him a principal of any school? I'm a black man, and support our progress, but I also believe in providing our students with quality leadership. He is not ready for the big time yet.

Congratulations to the newly appointed principals! They are awesome educators who will do well, Two of the appointed principals have PHDs and are published writers!

Observer 2016, I mostly agree with you. I just want to point out that Dr. Parrish had less school administration experience when she began at Hyde than Diah has currently. Yet she did a fantastic job. Denegre has been an assistant principal for the past three years and had years of relevant experience prior to that. I agree that our kids need qualified leaders, so I am thankful that the board is being thoughtful. I just hope that mindset and character, coupled with experience, are driving the decisions. I can run through a list of other successful principals with less experience. On the flip side I can run through a list of seasoned principals who have had little results. We must also not be afraid to ask questions about the lack of representation of black and brown men in our schools, especially in leadership positions. I am not sure that the incidents you referenced should be deal breakers if the data shows results.

Again, I don't want to take away from the huge wins for New Haven with the three appointments-all smart, passionate leaders who have strong ties to the community.

Just a reminder that the NHPS website states:

"New Haven Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or as otherwise permitted or required by law, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, disability, national origin, marital, veteran or other protected class status under applicable law in any of its education programs, activities or employment policies."

It is curious that Ms. DeNegre was not appointed AFTER Dr. Torre's comment.