Hartford Has New Leader For Its School System

Hartford Public Schools

HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut's capital city has a new school chief following the city school board's unanimous vote Tuesday night.

The Hartford Board of Education announced that veteran educator Dr. Andraé Townsel, who is currently a school chief in Maryland, will become the new superintendent of Hartford Public Schools.

The decision came after a nationwide search that included the review of 40 applicants.

Dr. Andraé Townsel was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and started.

According to the board, Townsel began his education career in Washington D.C., and has since held nearly every position in the K–12 education system, including student teacher, teacher, head coach, assistant dean, dean of students, central office specialist, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and now a highly effective superintendent.

"His well-rounded experience, combined with a deep commitment to educational excellence and student success, has made him a respected and transformational leader in every district he has served," wrote the Hartford school board in a statement.

He is currently the Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools in Maryland.

Hartford Board of Education Chairperson Jennifer Hockenhull said Townsel is "a great fit" to serve the district.

"The board is incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Andraé Townsel as our new Superintendent," said Hockenhull in a statement. "We were looking for a seasoned leader, and Dr. Townsel brings not only a wealth of experience from districts similar to ours but also incredible energy and a clear commitment to championing our district's future. We are eager to work alongside him."

Townsel said he looks forward to his new role.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the next superintendent of Hartford Public Schools. This is an incredible opportunity to work collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community partners who are deeply invested in the success of our schools. Together, we will enhance the student experience and raise achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts across the district. I look forward to building on Hartford’s rich legacy and setting a bold vision for our shared future,” said Townsel in a statement.

The board vote took place Tuesday evening at M.D. Fox School in Hartford.

Townsel's official starting date is pending.

He succeeds Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, who held the role since December 2017, after joining the district in an academic leadership role in 2015.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampam cited Townsel's experience as an educator.

"Dr. Andraé Townsel brings a wealth of experience as an educator and leader, and his track record of elevating district performance and supporting students makes him an outstanding choice to serve as the new Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools. This is a critical moment for our school system. We are hard at work adapting and innovating to address our city’s most pressing educational challenges, including moving forward with the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Education, my office launched last year," he said in a statement.

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