New Haven Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement

New Haven Schools Superintendent Dr. Arlando Smith has announced he’s retiring at the end of the school year. Smith, who has held the job since July 2017, informed the Board of Education of his decision on Jan. 22. On Jan. 29, the board voted to hire McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C. to lead the search for a replacement. They hope to have one picked out by May.

“These past 7 years in New Haven have been the highlight of my career,” Smith wrote in his announcement. “As I have previously shared, the joy I have experienced here is the way everyone should be able to end their career, with a deep sense of satisfaction.”

Smith started out as a teacher in 1976. Over the course of his career, he served as an activities director, leadership adviser, coach, and principal. He was also involved with The Stupski Foundation, a social justice-oriented nonprofit dedicated to improving education outcomes for low-income and minority students. He later served as Director of the Educational Leadership Program at John F. Kennedy University and as Director of the Urban High School Leadership Program at San Jose State University.

Read more about Smith’s departure here.