Dear Springfield Students, Staff, Families, Caregivers, and Community Members:
With deep gratitude and a significant amount of excitement and joy, I write to introduce myself as Springfield’s incoming Superintendent of Schools. I want to emphasize how honored and privileged I am to be joining such a resilient, passionate, and innovative community. The warmth of the community is what drew me to Springfield. I witnessed this sense of Cosmo Pride as I underwent the interview process and during my visits during April and May with each of the faculty members, parents, students, and residents I met.
I look forward to more collaboration with you as we journey towards a district of excellence. I am committed to building on past experiences to ensure that current and future students have opportunities to explore their interests and leave prepared to engage as positively contributing members of an ever-evolving society. Thank you to all those that have warmly welcomed me this far!
I have worked in education for the past twenty years: as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, curriculum coordinator, and executive director for teaching and learning. My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Education from Keene State College, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of New England, as part of the Class of 2022. Education is a passion and an interest in my lifelong adventure.
My moral purpose is also the reason for what I do. As your Superintendent, I want to cultivate partnerships that will foster a teaching and learning environment to give every student a sense of belonging while helping students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. It is critical to every student’s success that they graduate high school with the habits of mind and 21st-century skills necessary to pursue and achieve their goals and dreams.
Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is a success.” After the significant trials and tribulations that have been faced over the past few years, there is more reason to come together, celebrating successes and relishing the work collaboratively as we journey down the pathway of excellence. While a change of any sort has its challenges, I will work hard to partner with all of you to ensure that the Springfield School District continues to be a great place to learn and grow.
Please do not hesitate to reach out; I would love to meet with you and listen and learn from you about Springfield. I wish you a safe, healthy, and rejuvenating summer.
In partnership,
Sherri Nichols
Superintendent