Stamford Superintendent Stepping Down in 2026
Lucero Has Been in Her Current Role Since 2019
STAMFORD — The leader of the city’s public school district is leaving next year for a new position. Dr. Tamu Lucero, who has been Stamford Public Schools superintendent for more than six years, recently disclosed her decision.
On Monday, June 16, Lucero shared her intention to not seek an extension when her current contract ends on June 30, 2026. Instead, in a letter to the community, she disclosed plans to start a new position as the next director and head of school for a private, international school for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Africa.
“Serving as Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools has been the most rewarding experience of my career. Throughout my time in Stamford, I have built strong connections across the community — visiting all 22 of our schools on a regular basis, supporting local organizations, attending hundreds of events each year, and engaging with thousands of students, staff, families, and community members,” Lucero said in a Stamford Public Schools press release. “These relationships have shaped my work and given me a deep sense of belonging here in Stamford, which is why I am committed to staying with SPS through June 2026 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.”
In the district’s announcement, Mayor Caroline Simmons reacted to the news.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Lucero for 11 years as a state representative and now as mayor. I have witnessed firsthand her passion for education, her deep commitment to strengthening Stamford Public Schools, and her dedication to the Stamford community,” Simmons said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Lucero over the next year on the issues that matter most to our students and families, and will provide whatever support I can to the Board of Education as they seek to find our next superintendent to build on the strong foundation she has helped create."
State Senator Pat Billie Miller, who has advocated for increased funding for Stamford schools at the capitol in Hartford, also commented in the district press release.
“During my 16 years in Hartford as a state representative and state senator, I have worked to address the educational opportunity gap in Connecticut to ensure all students have the resources and support they need to succeed. Dr. Lucero shares this vision and has been a true partner to me and my colleagues in the state delegation. She has been an integral part of the delegation's efforts to bring crucially needed funding back to Stamford for new school construction and services for students with special education needs,” Miller said. “She has also helped advocate for important legislation, including the Science of Reading. The positive impact of her work on behalf of Stamford’s students and families will be felt long after she leaves the district.”
Prior to being the head of Stamford Public Schools, Lucero served as assistant superintendent for elementary starting in June 2013 before being unanimously selected as SPS superintendent in April 2019. She is the person with the longest tenure in that position since Dr. William Papallo, who served from 1983 to 1992.
Among Lucero’s accomplishments, the district cited her efforts to initiate the first comprehensive curriculum audit in more than two decades, improve safety and security throughout the district, and increased resources for multilingual learners and bilingual families.
Stamford Board of Education (BOE) President Michael Hyman, in a separate statement, indicated that the search for Lucero’s successor will begin in the near future.
“The superintendent search process will begin in the next few weeks. The first step will be to create an ad hoc superintendent search committee that will be charged with identifying a professional search firm to manage the recruitment and selection process. The BOE will work with that firm to develop a timeline for the search process, which must include opportunities for all constituencies to provide input about the qualities they want to see in the next superintendent,” Hyman said. “Regular updates and information will be posted on the Board of Education website and shared during the BOE’s Labor Committee and Regular Monthly Meetings.”
The Stamford Public Schools district encompasses 22 schools, over 16,400 students, and more than 2,300 full time staff.
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