Stamford School Administrator Investigated, Placed On Leave: District

STAMFORD, CT — An associate superintendent in Stamford Public Schools has been placed on leave as the district investigates reports that she used a racial slur during a recent training session, according to the school district.

Angela Asaro, the associate superintendent for elementary, was placed on leave on June 4, district spokesperson Kathleen Steinberg confirmed with Patch.

"Mrs. Asaro was placed on administrative leave on the evening of June 4 following reports that she had repeated a racial slur while sharing a scenario with staff during a training session at Stillmeadow Elementary School," Steinberg said in an emailed statement to Patch

Following the incident, Chief Staff and Family Resource Officer Dr. Michael Fernandes visited Stillmeadow on June 5 to meet with staff about the incident, Steinberg said.

Citing documents obtained from the school district, the Stamford Advocate reported that another teacher claimed Asaro used the N-word when describing how students use the racial slur.

The teacher claimed Asaro used the version of the word that ends in "a", and not "er," the Advocate reported, saying it made the teacher, who described herself as a Black woman, uncomfortable and upset.

On June 5, Superintendent of SPS Dr. Tamu Lucero sent a message to Stillmeadow staff.

"It is never appropriate for anyone associated with Stamford Public Schools—least of all a member of my senior leadership team—to use language that does not align with our commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment," Lucero said. "I want to apologize to everyone who was in attendance at yesterday’s staff meeting. No one should ever be made to feel uncomfortable or targeted by a colleague’s words or actions."

Lucero said the district was addressing the situation as "a personnel matter in accordance with Board of Education Policy and applicable employment laws."

"Stamford Public Schools must be a workplace where every individual feels respected and valued, and I am sorry that in this instance we fell short," Lucero added.

Asaro previously served principal of Stillmeadow Elementary School until she was appointed as interim associate superintendent for research and policy in 2023. She was also a classroom teacher for eight years, accoding to her bio on the district website, and was awarded the Spotlight in Teaching recognition for excellence in teaching.

Steinberg said that as of June 26, Asaro remained on administrative leave.

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