New Haven Superintendent to Resign This Fall

The superintendent of schools in New Haven, Garth Harries, is expected to leave his post this fall, a year before the end of his contract, and the target date for his departure is Nov. 1.

A statement from New Haven schools says the New Haven Board of Education and Harries “mutually agreed” that Harries’ employment as superintendent will end this fall.

“I am proud of the many accomplishments our education community has accomplished over the last seven years, since I arrived as assistant superintendent, and particularly over the last three years since I became superintendent,” Harries said during a news conference on Tuesday morning.  

Harries said the mutual agreement was made last night and there is not much that he can say, but that he is leaving "in order for the board to be able to select new leadership to ensure that the leadership and governance of the district is pulling in the same direction."

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said she supported Harries keeping his job because the graduation rate has improved, the attendance is better and more students from New Haven public schools are enrolling in college and continuing their education.

"Superintendent Harries was an effective superintendent for New Haven Public Schools," Harp said.

The target date for the end of his time as leader of the city’s school system is Nov. 1, but that depends on the board appointing an interim and “the facilitation of a smooth leadership transition.”

Harries said there is a lot to be proud of in the district and a lot of challenges remain.

The board is expected to soon appoint a committee to launch a search for the new superintendent.

“The Board of Education thanks Mr. Harries for his service to the New Haven school community. During his tenure as Superintendent, Mr. Harries promoted student learning through a number of initiatives, including strengthening of early grade learning, expanding emphasis on restorative practices and other dimensions of social emotional learning and physical health, deepening the roles and opportunities for teacher collaboration and leadership, and implementing an intense focus on the most disengaged students and historically challenged schools,” a statement from the school department says.

The terms of the separation call for Harries to receive his full salary through the end of the school year.

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