Mansfield Public Schools Superintendent Peter Dart has announced that Mansfield Elementary School Principal Lauren Rodriguez has submitted her intent to leave the district effective June 30, 2023.
In a letter to staff members and families, Mr. Dart shared, “For the past two years, Lauren has tirelessly led our efforts to consolidate three elementary schools and open a brand new net-zero building. She has effectively led district professional learning and developed a strong community of care-givers.”
Ms Rodriguez notified the elementary school staff and families in a letter that reflects the personal relationships she has cultivated and respect for her peers and staff that she has developed in her time here in Mansfield. “I have appreciated the many opportunities afforded me to lead both Southeast School and our new Mansfield Elementary School. The students, teachers, families, and staff are exceptional, hard-working and committed to all the best things in education.” She adds, “I am grateful to have had this opportunity to work beside ‘the best’. But, after careful deliberation, it is time for me to spend quality time with my family this summer before I move on to the other exciting opportunities before me. I thank you for your support of our new school and our talented staff who are deeply committed to the students.”
Ms Rodriguez was recognized in 2021 as the UConn Neag School of Education Outstanding Administrator, and recently completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Connecticut. She has served as Principal here in Mansfield for 10 years, and Southeast School received four distinguished school awards under her leadership.
Prior to working in Mansfield, Ms Rodriguez held positions at the University of Connecticut assisting schools with improvement efforts and was an elementary teacher in general education and gifted education classrooms. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the College of New Jersey, a Masters of the Arts degree in educational psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented education from the University of Connecticut, and a Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Leadership, also from the University of Connecticut.
Superintendent Dart adds, “On behalf of the Mansfield Public Schools Leadership Team, Board of Education, and District, we are so very grateful for Lauren’s passionate service and leadership and wish her well in her future endeavors.”
Mansfield Elementary Principal Search Underway; Input Invited
As part of his announcement, Superintendent Dart announced that a survey has been launched to begin soliciting community input about the important qualities for consideration in searching for a new elementary school principal. Participation in the survey is open to all community members, staff, and students, and the link is available below.
Survey Link: https://forms.gle/vkhLZLMRReui5Q2D6