Paul Foster

Background

About Paul Foster

An experienced executive in education and nonprofit organizations, I have dedicated my career to advancing equity and justice by leading collaborative, innovative, and data-driven organizational change. For the last 15 years, I have been an executive in two of New England's largest urban school districts. Known for strategic planning operational effectiveness, and innovative problem-solving, I have a proven track record of improving outcomes by creating a shared vision and translating vision into action. Currently, I am Deputy Superintendent of the Hartford Public Schools, where I manage Finance, HR, Operations, Accountability, Communications, Labor Relations, and Strategic Initiatives. My work focuses on driving innovation in systems and processes that support school success and student outcomes. Skilled in budget management, I led a $60 million reduction in spending while sustaining priorities identified by the community and Board. At Springfield Public Schools, my proudest accomplishment was creating Springfield's Portrait of a Graduate, a vision of student success created through engagement with 2,500 community members. I also led the implementation of a strategic plan to make the vision a reality. In Springfield, I also directed the use of data that improved graduation rates from 52% to 84%, managed the transition to remote and hybrid learning during COVID-19, expanded computer science education to K-5 students, and led a district-wide laptop program for students. Before education, I founded the City of Springfield's CitiStat department, creating efficiencies with data-driven performance management across all city departments. At the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, I researched and wrote about municipal finance and education funding. Earlier in my career I generated and completed grant and contract research, evaluation, and analysis projects for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and provided strategic planning and program evaluation services for nonprofit organizations and foundations at Development Guild/DDI. As a leader, I strive to listen deeply, build trust, and foster strong relationships. I am energized by bringing people together, breaking down barriers to collaboration, and ensuring decisions are rooted in quantitative data and the lived experience of stakeholders. I advocate for centering the perspectives of those the organization serves and building shared ownership of change.