Superintendent's Weekly Update- August 30, 2026
Dear Bristol Public Schools Community,
As we have completed our first two days of the 2026–2027 school year, I want to thank our students, families, staff, and entire school community for helping us begin the year with such enthusiasm and energy. Most importantly, I want to thank our families for your patience as we have worked through transportation challenges during the opening days of school. We recognize the frustration and concern caused by transportation delays and errors, and we sincerely apologize.
Our school administrators, teachers, secretaries, transportation staff, and many others have worked tirelessly to help ensure that students arrive safely at school and return home safely each day. We have debriefed daily with DATTCO, and I have personally been in regular contact with DATTCO's Chief Operating Officer to communicate immediate concerns, share feedback from our families and schools, and ensure that problems are addressed as quickly as possible. A DATTCO representative is also working directly from an office in our Board of Education building, across from our Director of Transportation. This allows for close, ongoing communication and immediate attention to issues as they arise. We know that errors were made during the transition, and we continue to work diligently to correct them and improve service for our students and families. Thank you for your continued patience and for bringing concerns to our attention.
Despite these transportation challenges, there has been so much to celebrate about the opening of school. As I visited our schools, I saw students being warmly welcomed by administrators and staff who were genuinely excited to see them. Schools were filled with smiles, welcoming messages, school pride, and an enthusiasm for the year ahead. The energy throughout Bristol Public Schools was wonderful to see. When I entered a Kindergarten class at Mountain View School, I complimented the students on how well-behaved and attentive they were. I told them they are our future leaders and will take my place when I retire. A number of them stood up enthusiastically and said, "I want to be a leader." That's what this is all about.
Our new school year actually began together last Monday at Muzzy Field for our annual Convocation. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our staff together as one school community before welcoming students back. We heard inspirational speeches from our students that reminded us of the power of education and the tremendous responsibility and privilege we have as educators. We also heard from Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Board of Education Chair Shelby Pons, and our Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Bevin Parent, as well as a wonderful student performance. You can view photos from the event on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585318571679.
In my remarks, I spoke about our theme for this year: Better Together. I shared my belief that every student in Bristol Public Schools must feel supported, connected, and engaged. Achieving that vision requires all of us- students, families, educators, administrators, the Board of Education, and our broader Bristol community- working together on behalf of our children.
My Convocation remarks are also attached for those who would like to read them.
The opening of a school year is always an exciting time, and it also requires patience, flexibility, and teamwork as we address the inevitable challenges that come with bringing thousands of students and staff back together. I am grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help solve problems, support one another, and, most importantly, keep our students at the center of our work.
Thank you to our families for your partnership and patience, and thank you to our incredible staff for everything you have done to make our students feel welcomed and valued.
We have much to look forward to this year. I am excited about what we will accomplish—Better Together.
In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools
Passing of Ann Clark, Former Superintendent of Schools:
It is with sadness that I share the passing of Dr. Ann Clark, a dedicated educator and educational leader who devoted many years of service to Bristol Public Schools, including serving as Assistant Superintendent and, from 1997 to 2002, as Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Clark’s leadership left an important mark on our school system. Throughout her tenure, she remained focused on improving student achievement and strengthening accountability, priorities she specifically encouraged the district to continue after her departure. She was also a strong advocate for teacher quality and excellence in instruction. Under her leadership, Bristol strengthened expectations for teachers while expanding support for beginning educators through the district’s New Teacher Academy, mentoring, professional development, and instructional support. Dr. Clark believed deeply that excellent teaching was fundamental to excellent student outcomes.
These priorities remind us that the work of public education is never the work of a single individual or a single moment in time. Each superintendent has the privilege and responsibility of building upon the work of those who came before. The decisions made, expectations established, educators supported, and opportunities created in one generation become part of the foundation upon which future generations build.
Bristol Public Schools has a rich history shaped by educators and leaders who devoted their careers to serving our children and our community. As Superintendent of Schools, I am deeply thankful for those who came before me and for the foundations they established for those of us entrusted with carrying this important work forward.
On behalf of Bristol Public Schools, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Clark’s family, friends, loved ones, former colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched. You can view her obituary here: Ann Clark Obituary (1949 - 2026) - Stamford, MA - Connecticut Post.