Dr. James Thompson

Bio | Senior Advisor

As Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Bloomfield, CT, James Thompson was recognized as one of the state’s most respected educational leaders for improving student performance and reducing the academic achievement gap.

Dr. Thompson had a long, distinguished career in public education as a teacher, vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. His focus was primarily on districts where the population was mainly at or below the poverty level. Through his leadership, Dr. Thompson has led teams that transformed low-performing schools into ones identified state-wide, regionally, and nationally for academic improvement.

While serving as principal, the Simpson-Waverly Elementary School in Hartford, CT, received the national No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School award. In 2003, Simpson-Waverly was one of six schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in its report: Learning from Six High Poverty, High Achieving Blue Ribbon Schools. In recognition of his leadership and contribution to the success of Simpson-Waverly, he was named Administrator of the Year in 1995 by the Hartford Principals and Supervisors' Association and in 2005 by the Hartford Public Schools.

Dr. Thompson is highly regarded as a mentor, coach, and builder of collaborative teams. As a result, he has received numerous awards, including the 2018 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year, the 2016 Man of the Year by Connecticut’s African American Affairs Commission, and the CT NAACP as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut.

After graduating from Hartford Public High School, Dr. Thompson received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. After completing his undergraduate studies, he returned to Hartford, Connecticut, and began his career as an elementary school teacher. He received his Master’s Degree in Urban Education from the University of Hartford and a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Professional Accolades

  • Connecticut Superintendent of the Year Award

    Issued by Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents · 2018

  • Man of the Year Award

    Issued by African American Affairs Commission · 2016

  • 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut

    Issued by Connecticut NAACP · 2016