The Hardest Letter

April 6, 2021

Dear Fanwood Family,

I have had the tremendous privilege to work at New York School for the Deaf — Fanwood as your Superintendent for the past four years. This school has grown with the support of the Board of Trustees, amazing educators, and dedicated parents, who are all invested in a strong and equitable education for all deaf and hard of hearing children. I am proud of my work at Fanwood, increasing the equitable and diverse opportunities for our students and educators. When I think about the tremendous challenges we all faced in the past two years, adjusting to the pandemic and working together as a community, I am inspired by all of you. I am forever grateful for the lessons I have learned here, and for the growth I’ve experienced as your leader. I feel strongly that everyone should have the same opportunity to experience working with this community, as I have.

The time has come for me to give this opportunity to your next Superintendent. On June 30th, 2021, I will be leaving my position as Superintendent of New York School for the Deaf — Fanwood, and encouraging the next person to take on the reins of this school. While my heart is heavy, I am confident that this school will benefit from new leadership. It is important to embrace change, as a form of growth. This school will continue to thrive, and I am excited about the new opportunities that will be brought by future leadership.

During the remainder of my time, I remain committed to ensuring that our students and staff will continue to be supported. It has truly been a pleasure working alongside you and I have come to learn that you are more than just employees, each and every one of you have gone above and beyond for our students. I have seen and felt your dedication and commitment with my own eyes and heart. I am proud to call you family.

In the last four years, we have made huge gains in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. I am proud of the strong advocacy work we have done together when it comes to equal representation for the Deaf community and especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). As the saying goes, “Action speaks louder than words.” There have been notable changes within the administration, bringing about dialogue and changes when it comes to bias and privileges, and most importantly, to ensure that our parents have access to members of the team through language access. While much more work needs to be done and I am confident our efforts at equity and inclusion will continue well beyond my tenure here at Fanwood.

During my tenure as Superintendent there have been many firsts for Fanwood. It is my firm belief that it is vital for our students to be movers and shakers of the world. Towards that goal, together we have strived to create an environment where Fanwood students can thrive. Everything from painting the hallways, to upgrading facilities, to equipping students and staff with the latest technology, to fostering opportunities in the Arts, and establishing the first ever STEAM program…all of these firsts have been in service to preparing students for their college or career goals and ensuring that they are leaders in today’s world.

The accomplishments that have been made in the last 4 years are not mine alone, but have been made with the determination, strength, and goodwill of our Fanwood Family. Together, the progress we have made is something to look to as a guiding light that Fanwood will continue to thrive well into the next century. Lastly, it continues to be vital that our students, staff, parents, community members, stakeholders, and the Board of Trustees work together to make meaningful and progressive change.

Throughout my life as a deaf person and I have advocated for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. It continues to be my life’s work to ensure that every Deaf person is afforded the opportunity to have a voice and that language access continues to be equal in the eyes of a Deaf person when it comes to being a member of a society.

Finally, I want to thank the entire Fanwood community for your commitment to our students. I know we have a lot of dedicated staff and parents, who have given their all on an emotional, social, and professional level. I am fortunate to have worked with and learned from you all. This experience has changed me fully.

I thank you for this amazing opportunity to work with all of you, and will always think fondly of my time here at Fanwood.

Cordially,

Bradley Porche’, Ed.D.

Superintendent

New York School for the Deaf — Fanwood