New Haven Schools Foundation Executive Director Steps Down

Barbara Aro-Valle is stepping down as the executive director of the New Haven Schools Foundation.

The local nonprofit supports the New Haven Unified School District with a variety of events and programs, including student scholarships and grants for teachers. 

According to the Schools Foundation, Aro-Valle will be accepting full-time responsibilities at Tri-CED Community Recycling. Her last day as executive director is Sept. 30. However, Aro-Valle will return to the organization to serve on the foundation's board of directors. 

Aro-Valle has played an integral role in the foundation, helping to expand its scholarship program, bring back the annual scholarship luncheon, create the annual Mutt Strut and help organize events such as the foundation's casino night gala. She also helped establish a partnership with the New Haven Boosters Association to pledge $100,000 to help protect co-curricular programs during the last two years of budget cuts. 

A transition committee, helmed by president Rebecca Venable, has been established while the foundation seeks a replacement for Aro-Valle. 

The committee welcomes community input during the transition period. Comments can be sent to transition@nhsfoundation.org. More updates will be available on the foundation's website, www.nhsfoundation.com.