East Haven Public Schools

Office of the Superintendent

Superintendent Message

Picture of Superintendent

Dear EHPS Faculty and Staff,

I am writing to share some important news with you. After much reflection, I have made the decision to pursue another professional opportunity outside of East Haven Public Schools.

East Haven has been more than just a place of work for me—it has been my home and the center of my career for nearly two decades. I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together. Through challenges and celebrations, your dedication and passion have always made this district a very special place for our students and families. Most importantly, I truly value the relationships we have built along the way, which have been a very meaningful part of my experience here.

I am committed to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition over the next several months and more information will be shared soon regarding this transition. In the meantime, I will continue to work closely with the Board of Education and our leadership team to support you, our students, and families.

Thank you for the privilege of working alongside each of you. It has been an absolute honor to be part of this remarkable school community.

Respectfully,

Erica Forti

Interim Superintendent Message

East Haven Public Schools Community,

I am honored to serve as the Interim Superintendent of East Haven Public Schools. Times of transition can naturally bring about feelings of uncertainty, but I believe these moments can also be an opportunity for renewed commitment to our shared goals. Most importantly, I believe in our community and our ability to work together in service of our students and their learning. Know that I am committed to earning your trust as we partner in this endeavor.

As we begin this next chapter together, I want to share my core values which are honed from my experiences as an instructional leader at the classroom, building, and district level:

Every student in East Haven Public Schools deserves the best education possible. Academic and social/emotional/behavioral growth happen when we communicate high expectations and plan supports that help students to be accountable for their learning.
Adult and systems learning are at the core of school improvement. Professional learning is essential for all educators, and it is most effective when it is contextualized, reflective, and iterative.
The trust of all partners and constituents–families, community members, district personnel–is earned and maintained through collaboration, coherence, and transparency. This is the foundation of respectful, productive relationships that foster the conditions for student success.
When decision-making is collaborative, data-informed, and student-centered, we reflect and grow to do what is best for students. Our families and community members are essential partners in this process.

Over the next two months, Superintendent Forti and I will work together to facilitate a smooth transition. This work will be critical to ensure the continuity of services and support for our children, families, staff, administrators, and community partners. Each of you will also be integral to this process. I ask that we all continue to foster open dialogue and commit to utilizing our unique gifts and talents for the benefit of our students.

The learning, safety, and wellbeing of our students and staff are of the utmost importance. Additionally, I acknowledge the need for us to leverage our resources efficiently and strategically in an effort to make decisions that are instructionally sound and fiscally responsible. Only by working with every part of our community can this vision be realized.

I am grateful to be part of the East Haven family, and I look forward to these next steps we take together.

Respectfully,

Adam Swinney