Bristol board appoints Iris White superintendent and Mary Hawk deputy after contentious public comment

The Bristol Board of Education voted May 7 to appoint Iris White as superintendent of Bristol Public Schools and Mary Hawk as deputy superintendent after public comment and extended discussion among board members.

White, who had been serving as acting superintendent, addressed the board after the vote, saying she was “incredibly honored” and promising to “lead with humility, transparency, and a deep respect for the diversity of thought in our board, staff, and community.” Mary Hawk, whose appointment as deputy also passed, told the board she accepted the role “with deep gratitude and great humility.”

Why it matters: The votes come amid public scrutiny over the district’s finances and leadership, and after an outside audit and multiple internal reviews. The appointments — especially White’s elevation from acting to permanent superintendent — prompted strong views from parents, staff and community members about…