The Springfield School Committee announced today that the contract for Dr. Sonia Dinnall has been unanimously approved and signed by all parties. Dinnall will begin her tenure as the Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools on Monday, July 15.
By signing the four-year contract, Dinnall becomes both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead Springfield Public Schools.
Following the execution of her contract, Dinnall took her seat at the helm of the School Committee chambers to a standing ovation. A lifelong resident of Springfield and product of Springfield Public Schools, Dinnall said she is excited and ready to get started.
“Springfield can produce excellence,” she said. “The education that I received from Springfield Public Schools was second to none, and that is the education we will continue to provide for each and every one of our students regardless of creed, zip code, color, or culture. Every student will receive the type of education that I received, one that would allow me to sit here as the Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools.”
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated: “I congratulate and welcome once again Dr. Sonia Dinnall as our new Superintendent. I look forward to working very closely with her as we continue to build upon our solid educational foundation. Superintendent Dr. Dinnall now will add to our system as she brings in her new energy and vision that will continue to benefit all our students, their families, our teachers, staff, and administration.”
One by one, School Committee members congratulated Dinnall and pledged their support of her superintendence. “My prayer is that you will be successful in what you are going to do, and that we can come around you and be able to support you as a School Committee so that you can succeed in your role,” said School Committee Vice-Chair Joesiah Gonzalez.
As superintendent, Dinnall has committed to leveling playing fields, championing equity, and mitigating barriers, saying her passion for education and instruction is as strong today as when she entered the field of more than three decades ago. “I look forward to doing my very best. We have the best and brightest students. Let’s do our best for them,” she said.
