Say What?

Words of Gratitude + Support

“I was informed you are taking some principled stances toward equity and inclusiveness. These are difficult times for educators striving to ensure ALL students receive the kind of education they are entitled to. I’m just writing to tell you to be encouraged and don’t let naysayers take up all the air space. Continue to let your conscience guide you and continue to do the right thing for the students and families of Chapel Hill-Carrboro.”

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, American pedagogical theorist, teacher educator, distinguished author and professor

“I was informed you are taking some principled stances toward equity and inclusiveness. These are difficult times for educators striving to ensure ALL students receive the kind of education they are entitled to. I’m just writing to tell you to be encouraged and don’t let naysayers take up all the air space. Continue to let your conscience guide you and continue to do the right thing for the students and families of Chapel Hill-Carrboro.”

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, American pedagogical theorist, teacher educator, distinguished author and professor

Say What?

Words of Gratitude + Support

Dr. Eric Williams, former Superintendent in Virginia and Texas

“Dr. Hamlett’s strong performance in three key areas contributes significantly to the maintenance of positive, mutually respectful, collaborative relationships between School Board members and LCPS staff members. With seven new Board members taking office in January 2020 (on a Board of nine members), her strengths in this area are particularly appreciated.”

Josh, CHCCS high school student

“You truly are an inspiration to us all and I hope you keep doing what you’re doing. It was healthy to know how much the school system actually cares about our research and opinions.”

Quincy M., CHCCS Student

“Dear superintendent, I am so glad that I am in a school district that you’re in charge of.”

Deon Temne, former School Board Member (Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools)

“Dr. Hamlett gets it. She makes sure equity work and social justice are action words, verbs. She models what she expects of her staff, and she connects with students, families, and communities that are traditionally marginalized. She also makes sure anti-racist practices are part of the every day work of educators in our school district and when they are not, she holds people accountable while displaying integrity and transparency in her approach to leadership. There is a lot of work to be done and always room for our district to improve but I am confident that Dr. Hamlett is the one to lead us to improved outcomes for all students.”

Sara, CHCCS parent

“I wanted to take a moment and let you know how grateful I am to you. I have three children, two of them in CHCCS and weekly I look forward to reading your words, having space for your perspective, and feeling the love and depth of calling you have for our school system and the children, teachers, and administration in it. It is my belief that when one leads from the heart with no desire other than to serve magic happens. I am sure since your start here there are many days you do not see or feel the impact as you are in the midst of attempting to shift energy, attitudes and hearts. I want you to know that I see you, and I am grateful for your leadership, your heart and your experience. I appreciate that you are steadfast and humble. As a woman I honor the space you have created for all women to be in their own power. I am sure it has come at a cost at times and I honor your bravery for pushing through.”

Brenda Sheridan, former School Board Member (Loudoun County Public Schools)

“In conversation, Dr. Hamlett has shared a desire to ensure the connection between schools, high-level administrators and the Board room. This connection can only happen when the administrators and board members are present in the schools. As decision-makers, we have to establish relationships with our teachers, students and families. We need to have meaningful interactions with those we serve in order to be good decision makers. This is a great deal of responsibility, and Dr. Hamlett’s leadership has pushed us all back into the classrooms…”

Dr. Gregory Hutchings, Jr., CEO RevolutionaryEd, former Superintendent in Ohio and Virginia

“Dr. Hamlett has an impeccable professional career, educational experiences and educational credentials; she is knowledgeable, a forward-thinking and innovative leader who possesses vision, integrity and passion where students are the central focus of her work. Therefore, it is with great privilege that I strongly recommend Dr. Hamlett. It is my belief that you would be fortunate to have a Superintendent of Dr. Hamlett’s caliber and I am confident that she would serve as a valuable leader of your school district.”

Dr. Maree Sneed, retired attorney and educational leader

“Most school communities want “… a leader who listens, collaborates, encourages transparency and is able to build relationships and trust with staff and the community. In my work with Dr. Hamlett, Dr. Hamlett has demonstrated all of these skills and characteristics. She has done this while assisting the LCPS address difficult issues of race and equity, particularly in responding to the findings and recommendations of the equity report conducted by outside consultants.”

Dr. Amy Cashwell, Superintendent (Henrico County Public Schools)

“Upon the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Hamlett, I was immediately impressed by her natural leadership ability, strong communication skills and genuine passion for improving outcomes for students. Dr. Hamlett oversees and sets vision for a vast network of critical departments in the 6th largest school division in Virginia. Many would find the demands associated with leading the work of complex departments and handling the often controversial and challenging areas of special education, student discipline, family engagement, mental health and an array of support programming incredibly daunting. However, Dr. Hamlett makes the work seem effortless as she has the natural ability to navigate complicated issues with strategic focus and ease.”

Beverly Cocke, former School Board Member Henrico County Public Schools

“I am always impressed with Dr. Hamlett’s passion for helping students, her desire to implement meaningful change and her overall leadership ability to connect and build bridges. Her vast knowledge of public education is evident and she keeps up-to-date on research about current developments and trends in public education nationwide. Additionally, Dr. Hamlett holds high expectations for herself and for those around her. She demonstrates thoughtfulness and concern for students and coworkers. ”

Tyrone Nelson, Chairman Henrico County Board of Supervisors

“Dr. Hamlett is a superb leader. She understands the importance of multi-mode instruction and communication within school districts. Her style of collaboration and communication with General Government has always been well respected. We have leaned on her expertise in special education as we realize she is well versed in its importance. She is a skilled communicator and professional. I offer my highest recommendation. She is a game changer!”

Dr. Patrick Kinlaw, retired Superintendent (Virginia)

“Dr. Hamlett is an extraordinarily talented leader and educator. First and foremost, she keeps students as the center of all her decisions/activities. She has expert knowledge of effective instructional practices and demonstrates an ongoing belief in continuous improvement – for herself and for colleagues. She has exemplary communication skills both written and oral. She grounds all of her work in the goal of building and maintaining strong, interpersonal relationships at all levels.”

Rai Beasley, NAACP leader and Special Needs Advisory Council Leader

“As the current president of Henrico NAACP and a member of Henrico County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), I would like to submit that Dr. Hamlett would be an outstanding choice for your school district. Nyah is exceptional at helping leaders of organizations, businesses, and families develop, organize and implement ideas. Her strength lies in her knowledge, integrity, and equally important, her capacity to motivate all stakeholders to take responsibility and ownership of all decisions agreed upon by the team. ”

Kim Sigler, Middle School Principal

“Dr. Hamlett is highly respected throughout our school district for recognizing and nurturing all student needs – academic, social and emotional. She has been instrumental in helping our instructional team implement division-wide initiatives that have led our district to make big and meaningful gains in areas of needed growth. She led our district in the implementation of a Family Engagement department, equity work, revitalization of our Student Code of Conduct, and conducted professional development on trauma informed care for students. Throughout these initiatives, I observed Dr. Hamlett walk the delicate balance of involving all stakeholders, honoring their input and establishing a program that is founded in data and built with the understanding that students are always first. ”

Roscoe Cooper, III, Henrico Board of Supervisors and former HCPS School Board Member

“Dr. Hamlett is a servant leader who is able to make the tough decisions that are the right decisions. She manages relationships with elected officials well (i.e board of supervisors and school board) and she is a highly effective communicator who clearly, concisely, and articulately informs and inspires staff, parents, and students. Dr. Hamlett has revolutionized the nine departments that she supervises by efficiently and effectively taking them to another level. Throughout my tenure in Henrico, I have learned that Dr. Hamlett inspires, engages, and transforms with grace and professionalism. Henrico County Public Schools is better because of her leadership. It would be tough to lose her, but I know that she is an excellent choice in any top leadership role that she aspires to.”

Tammie, CHCCS Employee

“Good afternoon, Dr. Hamlett. With neighboring superintendents in the news, I just want to remind you that you are a SUPER STAR! YOU are LOVED and ADORED. The work you do every day for the children of CHCCS is seen! May you be blessed overflowingly for the good you are doing in this world. Best regards”

CHCCS Parents

“Dr. Hamlett, Being an administrator is never an easy job, and in your role as Superintendent, you have faced hard challenges and have always risen to the moment and been an exceptional leader. You demonstrated that, once again, with your eloquent, thoughtful and bold statement below. As American Jews who were in Israel a year ago and who have family living there, this has been a very hard week. But we are able to hold multiple hard truths at the same time … As soon as I read your words last night, I called my daughter into the room so that we could read it together. … We could not ask for a more kind and sensitive CHCCS administration. Thank you so much for your steadfast leadership and all that you are doing to be an example and provide the words to our community to process this impossibly difficult situation. With respect and gratitude.”