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Professionally, Dr. Negrón brings 28 years of public education experience to the superintendent position. She has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and senior-level administrator. Her work has spanned early childhood, elementary, secondary, and university-level experience. She has worked both in New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) and in other school districts. She and her husband are also the proud parents of an NHPS graduate who now attends Southern Connecticut State University.
 
Most recently, Dr. Negrón has been serving as the acting deputy superintendent of academics and school leadership for the Hartford Public Schools, and previously served as Hartford’s chief of academics, teaching, learning and student supports. While in New Haven, Dr. Negrón served as a teacher and principal at Hill Regional Career Magnet High School as well as director of instruction and director of early childhood.
 
I believe this diversity of roles and experiences will enable Dr. Negrón to identify and leverage New Haven’s strengths while also incorporating best practices from other school districts that will strengthen our schools in the Elm City.

While Dr. Negrón's professional qualifications are truly impressive, I believe her personal lived experience truly sets her apart as an inspirational leader for our students and school communities.

Growing up in a poor and working-class family, her parents only received a 6^th and 7^th grade education, and they worked hard and long hours to make ends meet and to provide a better future for their children.  At the age of ten, her family moved from Puerto Rico to Connecticut and she enrolled in school speaking only Spanish and encountered the challenges that many our English Language Learners experience. Overcoming the many obstacles in her path, Dr. Negrón went on to become a first-generation college graduate, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish from Central Connecticut State University, and then earning a Master of Arts degree in education and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut.
 
In Dr. Negrón’s own words, it’s that experience that informs her work in education and drives her commitment to equity and excellence for all students. On Thursday, when we visited schools the day after her appointment as superintendent-elect, time and time again, I saw Dr. Negrón’s passion and experience shine through in all her interactions with students, parents, and educators.
 
As a multilingual learner, bilingual education teacher, and expert in bilingual bicultural education – and, as a child who knew poverty, struggle, and challenge – Dr. Negrón’s is able to connect with students and families whose own stories and struggles share a semblance of her own. Further, she is keenly aware of the importance of educating and attending to the needs of the whole child, both in and out of the classroom.
 
In New Haven, there’s no shortage of spirted debate and we don’t always agree. But the unanimous vote from the Board of Education in support of Dr. Negrón’s appointment, coupled with the enthusiastic statements of support by the head of the teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals unions, show that we are all excited about Dr. Negrón and rooting for her and our collective success.
 
To be clear, with 19,000 students across 41 different schools, there is much work to do and many challenges ahead. However, I’m confident that with Dr. Negrón’s leadership and with the collective commitment and dedication of our parents, educators, and community members, the future of New Haven’s children is brighter than ever.
 
In partnership,

 
Justin Elicker
Mayor | City of New Haven