Stratford Crier Staff Writer
The Stratford Board of Education voted 4–3 on Monday to approve a three-year contract for Acting Superintendent Heather Borges, officially extending her leadership of the district after more than a year in the interim role. The decision, split along party lines, has sparked discussion within the community over both the terms of the agreement and the process behind it.
Borges, a longtime Stratford Public Schools administrator, will earn a base salary of $245,000 in her first year under the new contract. That figure exceeds the last contracted salary of former Superintendent Dr. Uyi Osunde, who was set to make approximately $236,916 for the current school year before stepping down.
While Borges will continue managing the district’s day-to-day operations, she will retain the title of “acting superintendent” until she completes the state’s required 093 certification for superintendents. She is expected to begin the program in June. The district will support her by covering the cost of the classes, and she is expected to finish by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Upon completion of that requirement, her title will change to “superintendent.”
The contract was supported by the board’s four Republican members and opposed by the three Democrats. Board Chair Michael Henrick, a Republican, described the agreement as standard and consistent with previous district practices. He claims that Stratford has a history of assisting employees with professional development, including certification programs. Henrick emphasized that Borges has already demonstrated strong leadership capabilities during her time in the acting role.
Some Board of Education members, echoing the community’s concerns about fiscal responsibility, expressed discomfort with the high salary given to someone who has yet to complete all the training. Board member Lisa Carroll-Fabian’s words, “That’s not fiscally responsible. It sends the wrong message to our educators and students, who are constantly asked to do more with less,” reflect the board’s commitment to prudent financial management.”
Board member Jill D’Angelo-Powers said the board’s original plan was to hire someone who already had the certification. She said this contract goes against that plan and gives more money to someone who has yet to complete the requirements.
Board member Christopher Cormier, who is also a teacher, said he didn’t support the district paying for Ms. Borges’ certification classes. “Teachers are responsible for covering the cost of their advanced degrees and certifications,” he said. “I did not believe it was appropriate for the district to assume that financial burden.”
The board’s vote followed a months-long search that included candidates nationwide. Borges, who had stepped into the acting role after Dr. Osunde’s departure, was formally selected for the permanent post earlier this month.
In a public statement following the vote, Borges thanked the board for its confidence and reaffirmed her commitment to the Stratford school community. “Stratford is a vibrant and diverse community, and I remain committed to working in partnership with our students, families, staff, and community to ensure every child receives the support and education they deserve,” she said.
The contract includes a 2.5% raise in the next two years, 25 vacation days, 18 sick days, and four personal days annually.
As the district moves forward, it’s important to acknowledge that some community members continue to express concerns about the precedent this contract may set. Their voices are integral to the ongoing dialogue about our district’s future. For now, Borges continues as acting superintendent, with full certification expected.
Borges Contract:
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS STRATFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION 2025-2028
This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWN OF STRATFORD (hereinafter called the “Board”) and HEATHER BORGES (hereinafter called the “Borges”) in that said Board in accordance with its action by election pursuant to § 10-157 of the Connecticut General Statutes, on the 21” day of April 2025, voted to employ HEATHER BORGES as Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Stratford and HEATHER BORGES hereby accepts employment as Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Stratford subject to her obtaining an 093 certification from the State of Connecticut Department of Education (“093”), and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
1. CERTIFICATION
As a condition to this Agreement, Borges shall obtain and present to the Board a valid 093 certificate issued by the State of Connecticut or other approval of the Commissioner of Education enabling her to serve as Superintendent by June 30, 2026. Failure to provide said certificate or evidence of other such approval by June 30, 2026 shall make this Agreement null and void, provided the deadline may be extended if Borges has completed the course work and issuance of the 093 is imminently pending. Between the effective date hereof and until issued an 093 certificate, HEATHER BORGES shall continue to serve as “Acting Superintendent” of Schools on the terms and conditions set forth herein. Moreover, once issued, should any such certification terminate, this Agreement shall terminate immediately by its terms.•
2. DUTIES
Borges, including the period while serving as Acting Superintendent, shall be the chief executive officer of the Stratford Public Schools. In harmony with the policies of the Board, state laws and the State Board of Education regulations, Borges has executive authority over the school system and the responsibility for its supervision. She has the general authority to act at her discretion, subject to later approval by the Board, upon all emergency matters and those as to which her powers and duties are not expressly limited or are not particularly set forth. She advises the Board on policies and plans that the Board takes under consideration, and she takes the initiative in presenting to the Board policy and planning issues for the Board’s consideration and/or approval.
Borges or her designee as approved by the Board, shall attend all meetings of the Board and shall participate in all Board deliberations, except when matters relating to her own employment are under consideration. Borges shall receive notice of all Board committee meetings and she or her designee may attend such meetings.
3. OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Borges may undertake consultative work, speaking engagements, writing, lecturing or other professional duties and obligations provided such activities do not interfere with the meeting of her responsibilities under this Agreement.
4. TERM
The term of this Agreement shall commence on July 1, 2025 and shall extend to June 30, 2028 (the “Term”), unless terminated as provided for herein. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements between the Parties which shall hereinafter be null and void. Borges and the Board agree they shall adhere to the following procedures to extend Borges’s employment under this Agreement for an additional period not to exceed three (3) years at any time:
A. Prior to the end of the first year of this Agreement, the Board, at the request of Borges, may vote on whether to offer Borges a new agreement.
B. Prior to the end of the second year of this Agreement, at Borges’s request, the Board shall vote on whether or not to enter into a new agreement. At least three months prior to that time, Borges shall notify the Board that this Agreement is about to expire and shall provide the Board this contract clause. Should the Board fail to offer Borges a new Agreement, this Agreement shall remain in effect until it terminates in accordance with its terms.
5. SALARY
The salary for Borges shall be:
A. For the period starting July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, an annual base salary shall be the sum of the following components: (a) Two Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($245,000); and (b) an additional amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000), to be paid to Borges in substantially equal installments during the contract year as to which amount Borges will arrange to have an elective deferral deducted from her salary on a pre-tax basis as permitted under Section 403(b)(12)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, including the applicable catch-up limit of Section 414(v) of the Internal Revenue Code, and then contributed toward the purchase of a 403(b) annuity with a tax sheltered annuity company she chooses from the Board’s list of approved 403(b) vendors pursuant to the Board’s 403(b) plan available to Board employees in accordance with Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. The annual salary shall be paid in equal bi-weekly installments.
B. For the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 Borges’s base salary shall be Two Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand One Hundred and Twenty Five Dollars ($251,125). For the period July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028 Borges’s base salary shall be Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven Thousand Four Hundred and Three Dollars ($257,403).
6. FRINGE BENEFITS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The parties hereto agree as follows:
A. The Board shall provide a term life insurance policy on the life of Borges in the amount of two (2) times her annual salary to the nearest $1,000.00 with Borges having the right to designate a beneficiary. The Board agrees to pay the total cost of the premium.
B. The Board shall provide Borges with eighteen (18) sick days annually cumulative up to a maximum of two hundred (200). The Board agrees to credit Borges with her existing accumulation of sick days in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. Borges shall not be paid out for unused accumulated sick days upon resignation, retirement, death or other termination of employment.
C. The Board shall provide Borges with twenty-five (25) vacation days annually, with such days to be taken during the year in which they are earned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with prior written notification to the Board, Borges may carry over up to five (5) vacation days into the next year, provided that Borges may not accumulate more than five (5) days in addition to the annual vacation entitlement (i.e. for a maximum of thirty
(30) days in any given year), and that the carryover days must be used during the next contract year. In the alternative, Borges may elect to be paid out for up to five (5) days of her unused vacation at the end of the fiscal year. Vacation for a partial year of service shall be prorated. Subject to limitations above, upon termination of employment (other than involuntary termination) Borges will be paid for unused vacation days at the daily rate of 1/224 of annual salary times the number of accumulated days. In the event of death, unused and accrued vacation pay will be paid to Borges’s estate.
D. Borges shall be entitled to the paid holidays as provided in the Stratford Administrators Association, Inc. contract (“SAA”).
E. The Board shall pay the cost for Borges to maintain professional association memberships in relevant local, regional, state and national organizations to include but not be limited to local, regional, state and national Superintendent’s associations.
F. The Board shall provide Borges with a $550.00 per month transportation allowance, which shall be payable on a monthly basis.
G. The Board shall provide Borges with four (4) personal days annually to be utilized for legal, business, religious, medical, education or family matters.
H. The Board shall pay reasonable expenses as approved by the Board for Borges to continue professional development and attend professional meetings at the local, state and national level, subject to prior Board approval, and shall reimburse Borges for course work (other than as provided in section M below) approved in advance by the Board.
I. The Board shall provide Borges with five (5) days of bereavement leave to be utilized for death in her immediate family.
J. The Board shall provide Borges with all necessary technological devices to be utilized as needed to conduct Board business, including but not limited to a cell phone, laptop computer and lpad/tablet.
K. The Board shall provide to Borges the same health insurance plan and retiree health coverage, subject to the same cost share contribution, as is provided to members of the SAA. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Borges serves as Stratford’s Superintendent for a minimum of 10 years, and retires from education directly from the Board, the Board will pay 100% of the cost of retiree medical for Borges and 50% of the cost for her spouse.
L. The Board shall pay the premium for a long-term disability insurance policy to compensate Borges in accordance with the policy currently offered to non-union central office personnel and on file in the Board offices.
M. The Board shall pay for course work associated with Borges to obtain her 093 certification; provided, however, should Borges voluntarily resign prior to June 30, 2028, she shall be required to reimburse the Board on a pro rata basis for the cost of the course work for her 093 certificate; i.e. if she voluntarily resigns at the end of the 2025-26 school year she must reimburse the Board for two-thirds of the cost of the program.
7. EVALUATION
A. The Board shall evaluate and assess the performance of Borges_at least annually during the term of this agreement in accordance with guidelines and criteria as may be mutually agreed between the Board and Borges.
After consultation with Borges, the Board shall determine whether the evaluation shall be in writing. Said evaluation and assessment shall be reasonably related to the goals and objectives of the District for the year in question. Borges shall submit to the Board a recommended format for said evaluation and assessment of her performance. The evaluation format shall be reasonably objective and shall contain at least the following criteria: educational leadership, organizational management, community and board of education relations,-and personal and professional qualities and relationships. The Board shall meet and discuss the evaluation format with Borges and attempt in good faith to agree on the development and adoption of a mutually agreeable evaluation format. The Board shall adopt an evaluation format within ninety (90) days of the commencement of each year of this agreement.
B. The Board shall evaluate Borges prior to the expiration of each year during the term of this Agreement. Prior to preparing a written evaluation, the Board shall discuss Borges’s performance with him in executive session unless Borges requires that such discussion be held in open session. A copy of any written evaluation shall be delivered to Borges within ten (10) days of its completion, and Borges shall have the right to submit a written response to the evaluation which shall become a permanent attachment to Borges’s personnel file.
C. In the event that the Board determines that the performance of Borges is deficient in any respect, it may describe any performance concerns in writing in reasonable detail, indicating specific instances where appropriate. In addition, the Chairperson of the Board may appoint a committee of not fewer than two (2) members of the Board to meet in executive session with Borges and endeavor to assist Borges in improving her performance as to such matters. Said committee may report to the full Board on its activities and the results thereof, either verbally or in writing, and a copy of any written report shall be provided to Borges.
8. TERMINATION
A. The parties may, by mutual consent, terminate this Agreement at any time.
B. Borges shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement voluntarily upon written notice of ninety (90) days, except that the ninety-day notice is not required if termination is part of an action to implement a new contract in which case verbal notice by Borges, duly witnessed and recorded in the minutes, is acceptable.
C. The Board may terminate this Agreement during its term for one or more of the following reasons:
1. Inefficiency, incompetence or ineffectiveness;
2. Insubordination against reasonable rules of the Board of Education;
3. Moral misconduct;
4. Disability as shown by competent medical evidence;
5. Other due and sufficient cause.
D. In the event the Board seeks to terminate this Agreement and Borges’s employment for one of the above reasons, it shall serve on Borges written notice that termination of her contract is under consideration. Such notice shall be accompanied by a written statement of reasons. Within fifteen
(15) days after receipt from the Board of written notice that contract termination is under consideration, Borges may file with the Board a written request for a hearing before the Board which shall be held within thirty (30) days after receipt of such request. The Board shall render its decision within fifteen (15) days of such hearing and shall send a copy of its decision setting forth the reasons and evidence relied on to Borges. The Board’s decision shall be based on the evidence presented at the hearing. Such hearing may be in executive or public session, at the option of Borges. Borges shall have the right to her own counsel, at her own expense.
E. Any time limits established herein may be waived by mutual agreement of the parties.
F. The Board may terminate this Agreement in the event Borges is unable to obtain and maintain Connecticut Superintendent of Schools certification.
G. Nothing herein contained shall deprive the Board of the power to suspend Borges from duty immediately when serious misconduct is alleged without prejudice to the rights of Borges as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
H. If Borges is terminated on account of disability as shown by competent medical evidence, the Board shall pay accrued vacation benefits provided in this Agreement.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. If any part of this Agreement is invalid, it shall not affect the remainder of said Agreement, but said remainder shall be binding and effective against all parties.
B. This Agreement contains the entire Agreement between the parties. It may not be amended orally but may be amended only by an agreement in writing, signed by both parties. Commencing upon signing, it supersedes all prior agreements between the parties.
C. Upon the effective date of this Agreement all prior agreements shall be null and void.
