Hello Ashford Community!
The Superintendent position is a shared job with being the Director of Pupil Services. I have been a resident of Ashford since 2005 and have worked at the school since January of 2004, starting as a Special Education Teacher. In 2012 I completed my 6th year in Educational Leadership as an intern Assistant Principal and then became the full time Assistant Principal in 2013. In January of 2015 I stepped into the combined job of Assistant Principal and Director of Pupil Services, due to the death of our beloved Donna Hartigan. Despite those being hard shoes to fill, I have continued to be the Director ever since. During my time as Director, I did continue my education and earned my certification for Superintendent of Schools. Ashford is my home and I love this community. I have one child in Ashford School currently and one that graduated from E.O.Smith High School and is at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. I am excited for the opportunity to to work together to continue moving Ashford School forward. Feel free to reach out to me with questions. My email is cford@ashfordct.org. I believe in open communication. My door is always open!
Cynthia Ford, Superintendent/Director of Pupil Services
1-860-429-1927 ext 365, 363, Cell: 1-959-444-2020
Superintendent Goals 2025/2026
CURRICULUM: During the School year of 2025/2026, the Superintendent will improve teaching and learning by connecting the professional development to the needs of the classroom teachers and the paraprofessionals. The Superintendent will ensure that the all staff are able to have access to high quality programming that engages and challenges students to use methods of inquiry to solve problem, think critically, and to express themselves creatively and effectively.
FINANCE: Ongoing budget update during the school year 2025/2026, the District Office will explore cost savings through collaboration with area superintendents to regionalize in areas that benefit the financial expenses. The Superintendent will closely monitor status of the working budget in collaboration with the District Business Manager.
CULTURE: During the school year 2025/2026, the Superintendent will continue to work on the overall school climate of the staff. Set up monthly meetings with both the AEA and the MEUI union stewards throughout the year. Assess the specific needs for the MEUI union members through a survey in October and address the outcomes. Ensure each administrator has a goal around addressing the culture of the building along with student motivation throughout the school year.
Community Relations and Facilities: During the 2025/2026 school year the Superintendent will improve the school communication with the community through multiple social media outlets, parent communication avenues, and the Ashford Citizen. Work collaboratively with the town government to make improvements to the education of the students and the facility. The Superintendent will be an active participant on the Building Committee and Capital Improvement Committee.