Kenneth Di Pietro, Superintendent, Plainfield Public Schools, Plainfield, Conn. and Nathan D. Quesnel, Superintendent, East Hartford Public Schools, East Hartford, Conn.

Connecticut: Leaders Matter

Nominated By: Frances Rabinowitz, Executive Director, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents 

Kenneth Di Pietro, Superintendent, Plainfield Public Schools, Plainfield, Conn.

https://www.plainfieldschools.org/

Kenneth Di Pietro (https://www.plainfieldschools.org/district_information/superintendent_message) led a comprehensive systemic reform that has energized stakeholders, and utilized data and research to optimize the deployment of resources to improve outcomes for students. Although Plainfield Public Schools recently experienced a 75 percent growth in poverty, the district continues to elevate its performance at all schools.

Di Pietro attained widespread support for his vision of the school district with the establishment of a strategic plan that utilized data and research to improve outcomes for students. His leadership has energized the community and expanded learning opportunities for all students.

Exemplars of Leadership:

• Instituted data-based comprehensive reform.
• Sustained achievement gains while addressing growing poverty among student population.

Instituted research-based strategic plan, engaging significant community support.

Nathan D. Quesnel, Superintendent, East Hartford Public Schools, East Hartford, Conn.

https://www.easthartford.org/

Nathan Quesnel (https://youtu.be/y1iKogwA9So) leads one of the largest urban districts in the state. His vision to ensure that each student reaches their potential has resulted in a 50 percent improvement in reading and a 61 percent improvement in math, as well as more than a 40 percent decrease in student suspensions. His efforts to build local partnerships has greatly expanded supports and programs for students.

Even though Quesnel leads a large urban district, his vision uses the community as an expanded resource for learning that has provided opportunities for students to realize their own, individual potential.

Exemplars of Leadership:

• Established ambitious student performance improvement standards.
• Focused community support on obtaining the support needed to sustain achievement of each student while decreasing suspensions.

To learn more about the superintendents profiled in AASA’s Leaders Matter campaign, visit aasacentral.org/leadersmatter. To join the conversation via Twitter, please access #LeadersMatter.