State’s Chief Turnaround Officer, Dr. Melissa Jenkins, Appointed

Dr. Melissa Jenkins has been appointed as the chief turnaround officer by the State Board of Education in Hartford, Conn. Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker made the announcement on Wednesday, highlighting Jenkins’ role in identifying, developing, and implementing intervention, transformation, support, and accountability strategies for schools and districts across the state.

Jenkins, a seasoned education leader with over 20 years of experience, expressed her commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality education for all students. She will oversee the Commissioner’s Network and the state’s Alliance District program, focusing on enhancing leadership support, instructional methods, community involvement, and school climate.

Prior to her new role, Jenkins served as the chief academic officer for Bridgeport Public Schools, where she implemented various initiatives to improve literacy instruction, teacher leadership, and student performance. Her efforts resulted in significant improvements in writing proficiency among students.

Throughout her career, Jenkins has received several awards for her dedication to education, including the Prudence C. Randall Education Award and the Connecticut Reading Association’s Reading Administrator Award. She has a proven track record of driving positive change in educational settings.

Following her appointment, Jenkins expressed gratitude to the State Board of Education and Commissioner Russell-Tucker for entrusting her with the position. She looks forward to collaborating with educators, stakeholders, and community members to create brighter futures for students in Connecticut.