Trying to improve an urban school system, in which many students come from lower-income homes, is a major challenge. So is implementing something that has never been tried before in the state — utilizing all magnet schools from kindergarten to high school in an effort to diversify the student body and secure greater state aid. Add in the reality that English is a second language for many of the students, and you can see why New London Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie had her work cut out for her when she was hired in 2018, leaving her job as assistant superintendent in East Hartford, a larger city but with some of the same demographic challenges.

Ritchie soon faced a scandal, stemming from hiring decisions, actions and practices prior to her arrival, with the arrest and suspension of several school personnel for the alleged sexual assault of students.

A major project to rebuild the city’s middle and high schools, and allow the magnet approach to be fully implemented, has fallen behind schedule: again largely beyond the control of the superintendent.

And this past year saw in-school instruction suspended in March through the end of the school year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ritchie’s administration, like others, is now consumed with coming up with plans and backup plans to try to return students safely to classrooms for the coming school year.

This has all been a major hinderance for Ritchie in meeting the fundamental goal for which she was hired — improving student performance. She has not had a fair chance, yet. This is why we agree with the Board of Education’s decision to extend Ritchie’s contract by another year, to 2023. Ritchie, with a base salary of $177,000, did not ask for a raise. Concerning public perception in this community hit hard the pandemic-caused recession, that’s smart.

New London schools need stability. This extension helps provide it.

In endorsing the extension, we urge Ritchie to improve transparency and respond directly to reporter questions. Her tendency toward caution at times hinders communication.

There will always be unforeseen challenges, but hopefully those that the New London school system — and Ritchie — face over the next three years will be less dramatic. This editorial board, and this community, want to see Ritchie demonstrate that she can implement the magnet approach and improve academic performance. Then, all will benefit, most importantly the students.

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.