Superintendent Dr. Winifred Hamilton made the following remarks to Stamford High Faculty in a voluntary meeting Monday morning at 7:10:

Good morning, thank you all for joining me today. I appreciate your time and attention to a couple of important matters that I’d like to discuss with you in the limited time that we have.

First, I want to let you all know that during the Holiday break, from December 24through January 2, Facilities will be conducting asbestos removal in the areas of the Main Office, Reception area, and Rear offices. We have retained the services of a licensed asbestos abatement contractor, who will ensure the school is safe throughout the process. The offices undergoing abatement will be located in the Career Resource Center until the work is complete.

Next, I’d like to give you an update on the Stamford High School Administrators situation.This has been a difficult time for all of us, and I share your desire for a speedy resolution to the current situation. But, I do want to be clear on a number of things.
As the leader of this district I am committed first and foremost to the best interests of our students; all members of our staff; and the families of Stamford High School.

I know that many of you are upset, and I understand that you feel strongly about what the future of these administrators should be. What we have to keep in mind is that legally, there is a process that has to be followed and abided by. I must provide any and all of our administrators and teachers due process, and I remain hopeful that each of you will respect that decision and the process itself, much of what I can and cannot do is dictated by our lawyers and the union.

This, as we all know, has also become the subject of frenzy and a huge distraction for our district. There are certain things that I cannot share with the media, or with you, again because of the legalities that we all must follow. Some of you have shared your frustration that you have not had an opportunity to speak out in a public way about the situation. I too am frustrated, but I promise you I have been responding to these issues as best I can, but must do so while being mindful of my legal responsibility and the union contracts. I assure you that during the fact finding/investigation, those of you who have information will have an opportunity to share it with appropriate individuals without any fear of retribution.And as part of that process, the climate of this school will be gauged and taken into consideration when the final decisions are made.

So where are we in that process?

Over the past week, I have been speaking with and assessing several outside independent educational and legal organizations (including former judges, attorneys, and state prosecutors) to conduct a thorough independent administrative review of building and central office responsibilities with regard to mandated reporting procedures. I have two final meetings scheduled. Once those individuals have been identified, we will all know how their forensic process will work. This will also be an opportunity for those of you who want to share factual information to do so.

Barring any unforeseen legal or financial constraints, it is my expectation that I will identify the best team to conduct this investigation and have the individuals in place as soon as possible, so the process can begin immediately. I cannot say with certainty how long the entire process will take, however, in the interest of getting a just outcome for everyone; I cannot give you a specific timeframe at this moment. What I can promise you, is that I will keep you updated on the process and provide you with details on the plan. I am pleased to say that Mr. Bass has agreed to continue to oversee the day-to-day operations and provide leadership at SHS until a resolution is finalized.

I know that it is difficult to remain positive and focused when our district and, in particular your school, is at the center of negative media and community outpouring, but I ask you not to feed that negatively, but to instead keep the best interest of our students at the center of what you do each day. Stamford High School is an institution in our community. You are a strong professional staff, with a history of excellence and resilient school spirit, let’s work together to keep our reputation and spirit intact.

As a former coach I know even when you are not having the best season, you need to focus on uniting and encouraging your team to believe in itself. I believe in you and I know you believe in one another. Together we will come out on top with the best outcome for SHS students, staff, and families.I recognize this can be difficult and that is why I asked Joe O’Callaghan from Support Services to join me this morning and share his thoughts.

Again, I appreciate the fact that you all took the initiative to be here this morning. For those who were not able to attend this meeting this morning, my comments will be sent to every staff member at Stamford High, and if you are asked what was discussed, please refer them to their e-mail for the details.

Thank you for understanding that in an effort to remain impartial, I am not in a position to address specific questions at this time. I know you will remain focused on our most important job—educating our students.