Candidate · Assistant Superintendent · Stamford Public Schools
Strengthening instruction. Rebuilding trust.
Aligning systems for every elementary student.
With over 20 years of experience in Stamford Public Schools, I bring a deep understanding of the district's strengths, challenges, and opportunities. As Stamford enters a new chapter of leadership, my focus is clear: to support a Superintendent who prioritizes coherence, transparency, and collaboration—while ensuring every elementary school delivers rigorous, equitable, and consistent instruction for all students.
20+
Years in Stamford
Public Schools
2
Elementary Schools
Led as Principal
1
Full-Service Community
Schools Federal Grant Secured
Edith M. Presley has dedicated her career to Stamford's students, families, and schools. She has served as Principal at Roxbury Elementary School and Julia A. Stark Elementary School, as Assistant Director of Special Education, and as President of Stamford Cradle to Career—building a record of instructional leadership, community partnership, and systems-level impact that uniquely positions her for this moment.
The District's Call
In early 2026, Zeal Education Group conducted 74 community engagement meetings with 792 participants — gathering 16,869 individual ratings through a multilingual platform supporting over 100 languages. The findings shaped Stamford's Leadership Profile for incoming Superintendent Dr. Adrian Talley. They also mapped directly onto Edith's twenty years of work.
80%
Curriculum Gap
A 2022 independent curriculum audit found that 80% of Stamford's curriculum needed significant updates — driving urgent calls for instructional alignment and coherence across schools.
32%
Math Proficiency
Stamford students score 32–33% on state math assessments, vs. a state average of 40–42%. Reading proficiency trails similarly — 42–43% vs. 51% statewide — with the sharpest gaps among Black, Latino, and multilingual students.
#1
Community Priority
The strongest theme from 738 community surveys: student and teacher support. Stamford's families and educators called for leadership that centers people — not initiatives — and rebuilds trust from the ground up.
100+
Languages Represented
Community input was gathered in over 100 languages through ThoughtExchange — reflecting Stamford's extraordinary diversity and the imperative for multilingual, culturally responsive leadership.
These findings represent a district at a genuine inflection point — one that demands leadership with the institutional knowledge to act immediately, the relationships to build trust quickly, and the systems experience to deliver results. Each of Edith's leadership priorities responds directly to what Stamford's community called for.
Leadership Priorities
Each priority maps directly to what Stamford's community identified — and to what the incoming Superintendent will need delivered from day one.
From variability → to coherence.
"I work to ensure that every classroom—across every school—delivers high-quality, aligned instruction."
From top-down → to collaborative leadership.
"Trust is built through listening, transparency, and shared ownership of outcomes."
Strong schools require strong leaders.
"I develop leaders who can drive instructional excellence and build strong school communities."
From data collection → to data-driven action.
"Data should clarify direction, strengthen practice, and drive results."
Equity is not an initiative—it is the foundation.
"I ensure that every student—regardless of background—has access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed."
From compliance → to professional respect and support.
"When teachers are supported and respected, students benefit."
From outreach → to authentic partnership.
"Families are essential partners in student success."
Why This Moment
With Dr. Adrian Talley joining as Superintendent on July 1, 2026, Stamford's new leadership era begins. But vision without institutional knowledge stalls. The incoming Superintendent will need a partner who already knows the principals, the schools, the community, and the challenges — someone who can translate strategy into action without a learning curve.
Institutional Knowledge
20+ years inside Stamford's schools — every building, every challenge, every relationship
Existing Trust
Deep relationships with principals, teachers, families, and community partners already built
Day-One Readiness
No learning curve — ready to align elementary schools to the Superintendent's vision immediately
Systems Perspective
Experience spanning instruction, special education, community schools, and cross-sector leadership
"I bring the experience, relationships, and systems perspective needed to support Stamford's next Superintendent in leading meaningful, lasting change."
In the Community
Breaking Barriers: Inside Community Change
Edith in conversation on the intersections of leadership, community, and systems-level change in Stamford.
Stamford Voices Shine
Edith speaking as President of Stamford Cradle to Career on cross-sector partnership and building pathways for Stamford's youth.
Shaping Strong Starts: Wisconsin and Connecticut
A look at Full-Service Community Schools models — including Edith's work securing and leading Stamford's federal community schools grant.
NBC Connecticut
Event at State Capitol Celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Read the full article →
News 12 Connecticut
Stamford School Invites Rep. Himes to Discuss Positive Impact of Federal Grant
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Moffly Lifestyle Media
2024 Light a Fire Honoree
Read on Moffly Media →
Moffly Lifestyle Media
Now Playing and Dominating in Stamford Youth Sports
Read on Moffly Media →
Stamford Advocate
School Data Shows Black Students Were Unprepared—And the Initiatives to Close the Gap
Read the full article →
"Stamford is a district rich in diversity, talent, and opportunity. At this moment, our community is calling for leadership that is clear, collaborative, and grounded in trust. My commitment is to help build a system where every elementary school is aligned, every educator is supported, and every student has access to the high-quality education they deserve."