Anthony Mignella has launched a unique initiative in his first months as the new superintendent of the Baldwin School District, sitting down with parent leaders for coffee, baked goods and conversation.
The first informal gathering, which took place on Aug. 7, marked the start of Mignella’s Coffee & Conversation series, part of his Listen & Learn initiative aimed at building stronger partnerships with families.
“Our commitment to creating a school district that is innovative and future-focused is one that needs to include our families as partners,” Mignella said in a statement. “These open discussions are invaluable, and I am grateful for this opportunity to engage directly with our community and look forward to continuing these important conversations to ensure that the needs of every student are fully supported.”
Representatives from each PTA across the district joined the inaugural meeting, where they shared aspirations for their children and the schools. Parents and guardians jotted down their thoughts on poster paper during a “gallery walk” exercise, later reviewing one another’s ideas posted around the cafeteria.
Several themes emerged from the session, including a call for stronger family partnerships, more after-school enrichment opportunities, an emphasis on social-emotional learning and safety, and transparent communication from the district. Parents also expressed interest in more cultural and community-based experiences for students, as well as programs for elementary school students that would make the transition to middle school easier for them.
Sophea Sainsurin, co-president of the Meadow Elementary School PTA, said the session created a unique space for PTA leaders to have an honest exchange with the superintendent.
“The recent Coffee & Conversation with the superintendent was a really valuable experience,” Sainsurin said. “Seven Meadow PTA board members were in attendance, and we all appreciated the outreach and opportunity to connect in this way. Meeting with us separately from families created a space for honest dialogue, where we could share perspectives on how to partner more effectively.”
Sainsurin added that what made the event stand out was the way Mignella intentionally structured the session.
“He encouraged us to share needs, challenges and opportunities, and explained that he would be compiling this feedback into a report with next steps,” she said. “That showed this was about more than checking a box — it was about moving forward together.”
She said the PTA leaders left the session feeling encouraged. “The superintendent listened carefully, and it was clear he is committed to building a more collaborative family–school partnership at all grade levels,” she said. “That follow-up alone shows his genuine interest in strengthening connections and supporting PTA leaders as partners in the work ahead.”
District administrators said the conversations are just the beginning of an ongoing effort to hear directly from parents. Future sessions are expected to continue throughout the school year.
