May 22, 2008 12:08 pm

Corda’s Hiring Process Under Fire

While things have seemingly been quiet over in BOE land, a storm has been a brewing. Faced with many vacancies at the administrative level, in addition to the many educational ones, the BOE has got some concerns:

Board member Shirley Mosby said at a meeting Tuesday night it isn’t appropriate for Corda to sit in on the interviews for candidates, which are conducted by committees of parents, teachers and administrators. Committee members may not feel comfortable asking certain questions if he is there, she said.

Corda said his role is valuable.

“Observation between candidates and everyone provides a wealth of information on how groups are responding to candidates,” Corda said.

The school board made little headway in discussions Tuesday about filling other top administrative positions.

Corda planned to recommend one person for the school board to interview for assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction before members voted, but several members said in March that they wanted to see multiple candidates. The board agreed to meet with as many as two internal and two external candidates.

The school board filled two high school principal positions last year with the help of a consultant, instead of using the hiring process called for in the district’s diversity plan, drafted in 1999. Board member Migdalia Rivas said the process keeps changing “like an adjustable rate mortgage.”

Ha! That is the best line out of the BOE.

source: Advocate, Corda asked to sit out job interviews, By Lisa Chamoff, 05/22/2008

Anonymous

Corda’s plan to present one candidate to the BOE for its approval reminds me of election day in a totalitarian government.

I hope he can see the writing on the wall. It’s time to go, Dr. Corda.
Anonymous

Salvatore: If you are reading this(and I suspect you may be), please consider taking the more than generous buyout that will probably be offered you should you get the epiphany–you know, the one that is now staring you in the face. Perhaps you can take the fossilized remains of Dr. Karen and join your old buddy Stuie in Oxford. The pay won’t be nearly as good as the one you stole from Norwalk, but I bet you can save money on suits–ask Oppie about “Flannel Fridays”. And Salvatore, don’t let the door hit you in the a– on the way out!
Anon432

What if the majority of the candidates who have been interviewed already are not qualified or are not the right fit for Norwalk? Will the position be posted again? Or will the Board be settling for one or two candidates to pick from? Things that make you go huuummm.
Anonymous

Anon 432–What if….?? Chances are they will NOT be qualified–think about it; do you think anybody remotely “qualified” is going to pursue these positions if he/she does the required homework on this district? The more time it’s posted, the less chance of a blue-chipper coming into the district. There may well be folks currently on board who would do very well–all factors considered. A real pile of crap has been left for some poor educrats to figure out–probably better for someone who has already stepped in the crap.
Anon

Sal won’t last another year. The Board wants him gone
Sherlock

Really? Why?!?!?
AnonymousToo

Great, good for the BoE to FINALLY getting the ‘cahonies’ to get rid of Sal.
Anonymous

Which bunch of Einsteins approved his appointment?
Anonymous

#8: The BOE.
Webby

I not only know there is a qualified candidate applying for the job of assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction, I work for him. Bob McCain. Bob has proven his leadership in his three short years at Nathan Hale. He’s innovative instructional programs and creative scheduling have taken Nathan Hale from failing scores to being a New England (yes ALL of New England) Spotlight School. OK, he does have an excellent staff to help him implement his ideas but he tends to bring out the best in us. Norwalk would be foolish to let him go. Now can someone just explain one thing to me. What the hell is Lynne Moore doing on the interview committee?
Anonymous

She’a a Corda implant
Anonymous

Y’all mean Lynne(I don’t wanna work here no)Moore??
Sherlock

I don’t know Mr. McCain, but it’s almost sad that he’d be leaving a school post. On the other hand, having a positive person uptown would be good. We need more positive. Sounds like he’d be a good fit. Good luck! Is it possible that we’re looking at the new “standard of excellence”?
Anon432

McCain is a solid man with a positive vision for our schools. I hope he does move forward to the assistant superintendent position. I think there will be some professional jealousy with some of the other administrators. I am confident he will hold some of the weaker less professional principals and vice principals accountable for their school’s progress or lack there of. Sherlock, although Nathan Hale would miss him we all would gain. Plus, if we do not let those who are growing in their profession move up to administrative positions here in Norwalk they will leave for opportunities in other districts. We would lose them as the school post holder and as an administrator. That would be what they call a Lose- Lose situation in the long run. My two cents
Holmes

Did McCain pay you guys to post this BS or what?
It sounds like his fan club. I hear that he is full of himself, arrogant, Condecending to staff and parents.
Anon432

I am not paid for what I think. I am a fan only of what is right for the children of Norwalk. I am sorry you do not see McCain as I do. He is intelligent and makes informed decisions if that is what you call arrogant? He is honest and straight forward with staff and parents if that is what you call condescending? Holmes- he is a very good candidate. What are you looking for in an assistant superintendent? I would like to see some one with back bone and knowledge to make changes that are desperately needed at central office and throughout the system.
Holmes

What do you know about his previous employment history?
Anon

Mc McCain is nice to parents and not to staff from other school in the norwalk district.
Anon432

The question is to you Holmes- what do you know that is factual?
Sherlock

Anon432, please know that I have no idea who “Holmes” is. I know that you know what’s going on and I thank you for the work you’re doing on getting the facts. Who knows what agenda “Holmes” has, but the facts are always the best. Thanks for keeping us informed. I still would love to know what happened with the meeting with Corda. I honestly may have to switch to another alias. How unfortunate. I like “Sherlock”! No, I just may keep it and stay positive…:)

Thanks again, Anon432!
Anonymous

I strongly suspect that the person who is critical of Mr. McCain is, in fact, trying to promote another candidate. Rather than do that by trying to assassinate the character and skills of McCain, why not instead tell us about the character and skills of the other candidate? Tell us what this person knows about curriculum, what he/she has done to improve the academic performance of students in his/her school, what he/she has done to improve instruction, etc.?

Norwalk students and taxpayers deserve an assistant superintendent who can help the district move to a higher level. I have heard about McCain’s qualifications, and now I want to hear about the other person’s.
Holmes

You still did not answer the question about McCain. What do you know about his previous employment? It needs to be looked into (just like any other person applying for the job). Stop being his cheerleader and get some facts.
Anon

There is a rumor that Bob McCain taught at all levels of education: elementary, middle, high schools, as well as college level. If that is factual, it certainly make him prepared to understand how the teaching and learning process really works.
Can anyone verify this?
Anonymous

#22: There was a background check for Mr. McCain when he was hired in Norwalk. Personally, I care far less about what he did in his previous employment than about what he has done in Norwalk. He came to a school that was in a downward spiral, and he reversed the school’s direction. His performance here speaks volumes about his worthiness for the job.
Anonymous

#15: You said, “I hear that he is full of himself, arrogant, Condecending to staff and parents.”

If you haven’t personally witnessed any of this, you shouldn’t be saying it. How can you be so dismissive of someone you don’t even know?
Holmes

I’m reporting what I hear. #18 Also said he is not nice to staff outside his building. How will that play out if true? This person will need to work with all schools not just yours. This needs to be looked into more. People who worked with him outside his school should be interviewed. The skills you list which he may have does not mean anything. How well does he work with people outside his school? Under what conditions did he leave his last job. Did he work well with others at his former job? Who cares if he taught college.
Anon

Well, Holmes… it’s like this. Who IS coming forward to provide the vision Norwalk needs to lead it? I’ve heard from people who HAVE dealt with McCain from outside his school. He was said to have a dynamic strong presence with a no-nonsense, show-me-the-beef approach. Nothing wrong with that. He might come across as all-business, but that is definitely the injection Norwalk needs with proper focus on accountability for ALL, not to mention – morale-building, systematic responsive support, and kid-centered schools throughout the district. After all, do we want a bowling partner or an assistant superintendent? I think that teachers who share that common vision will have absolutely NO problem with a strong leader like McCain. But… how is it that the public is aware of the interviewees when their names are not to be revealed as yet?
Anonymous

I work in one of the other three sub-standard middle schools in town–and they are that way due to the sub-standard leadership in those buildings. Since Bob McCain came on board, I have heard nothing but positives about him and NHMS. The sad fact is, the good Lord him/herself could come into this vacant position and folks would find fault–imagine a background check on J.C.?? At least McCain knows how it works in Norwalk–and let me tell ya–that speaks volumes. Sal’s days are numbered, and we need a “roll up the sleeves” educator in this position–McCain appears to be that kind of a guy. Imagine a Central Office denizen that teachers may actually SEE! You have to understand that we have been working with someone who has been overseeing INSTRUCTION who really never saw any of it going on. Bob McCain is on top of instruction at Nathan Hale–that’s good enough for me.
Shocked!

Let the BOARD interview all candidates without Uncle Sal being present. For that CO position, there should be at least 5-8 solid candidates who meet teachers and parents in a formal and/or informal setting. Usually, administrators are included; however, in NOrwalk that would mean 2-3 only…the rest should remain behind their computers doing what they do daily: NOTHING!
Sherlock

Hey “Holmes”: First of all, change your stage name. Second, I could only see one reason why you’re acting up: you’re tryng to get that position that McCain’s going for. Well, it “ain’t gonna” work. What’s your obsession about checking McCain’s background? YOU go check it! Look: He HAS been checked out! Do you know something about him that the rest of us don’t? He’s a morally upstanding person. I don’t know him, but if he’s in the position he’s in right now, he has to have been scrutinized somewhat (i.e. background checks and all). WHAT’S your angst with this man? Get a new name (Try “Taz”, “Daffy”, “Perdue”, “Tyson”, anything but “Holmes”) – people are going to think you’re connected to me and I’m not changing my stage name. Go away! And leave that poor McCain alone.
Anonymous

#26: I can’t imagine many opportunities for a Norwalk middle school principal to work with staff outside his own building. My interactions with him have been rather casual, but I have found him to be very professional and pleasant.

You do seem to have an agenda here. What’s the real deal with your posts?
Webby

Hey Holmes
It’s Webby and here’s a news flash for you:
1. I am speaking from personal experience and I know first hand that Bob has done a great job at Nathan Hale. You, on the other hand, say “I hear he is arrogant, etc. From who? Why don’t you keep hearsay out of this and talk about what you know (which I’m pretty sure isn’t much).

2. I signed my name, Webby (aka Joanie Webster), which is more than you have the guts to do. There are about 12 Holmes in the Norwalk directory. Which one are you?

3. I’ve taught in this town for 35 years, have worked for five different principals and You can check into my background. My reputation speaks for itself. Everyone who knows me knows there is no way in hell I could every be bought!

4. Mr. McCain has held a number of in-service workshops and professional day workshops that have been attended by Norwalk teachers from all schools. I have never heard anything but positive feedback from other Norwalk teachers. I am not sure what disgruntled employees you are talking to, but it sounds to me that they (like you) have a hidden agenda.

5. What’s your grip with someone who has been so successful (Bob McCain) …jealous?

6. I gave up my cheerleading pompoms in 1969 when I graduated from Central Catholic!

Anything else you need clarification on?
Webby

One more thing:

Regarding posting #26.

1st – You said, “The skills you list which he may have does not mean anything.” I teach math but I believe the correct subject verb agreement would be “The skills you list which he may have do not mean anything”. I hope you are not a language arts teacher.

2nd – If you are not interested in the skills of the candidates, what are you interested in? How easily they can be manipulated? How readily they will be bullied by people who are probably feeling very threatened right about now?

Maybe you should just be quiet until you have something worthwhile to say! I won’t hold my breath.
Sherlock

Webby:

Thanks for speaking up regarding McCain. I still wish that they’d change their “stage” name to something else, but it’d be better if they stayed off the site altogether. Bitter is what they are!

I wish I knew McCain. It sounds as though everyone’s happy with him. Thank God! It’s so refreshing to hear a positive!

I don’t know, “Holmes”….you know what would happen to you if you went to parochial school back in the days when the Sisters of “No Mercy” were running around….you’d get your wrists smacked with a YARDSTICK. Ten “Our Fathers” for YOU!!!!!!!!!! (Notice…..no grammatical errors here. Ya’ think a Catholic’s writing this blog, Webby? )
Sherlock

Webby:
It seems as though “Holmes” has either disapeared, or changed their name. We could only hope that the 1st is the case. People are just cranky, but thanks for the way you wrote your support for McCain. I think 99% of the readers here agree with you. You know, “Webby”, do you think that “Holmes” is either trying to get the job, or on the interview committee? It would be very scary if either were true.
Norwalk BOE Logic

Whereas Robert McCain has the necessary background in curriculum and instruction,

Whereas Robert McCain has reversed the decline of NHMS,

Whereas Robert McCain has won the respect of many people,

Whereas Robert McCain very likely has the skills and knowledge necessary to provide instructional leadership as an assistant superintendent for the Norwalk Public Schools,

Let it be known that the Norwalk BOE will probably give the job to someone far less qualified, someone who will “lead” the continued decline of the department of curriculum and instruction.
Anonymous

Does anyone know how many internal candidates there are, other than Mr. McCain? Who is/are the other(s)?
Sherlock

It would be interesting to hear the people who were on the interview panel.
Anonymous

Not so elementary, my dear Sherlock. Get real–remember where you are…there’s a sign post up ahead…the next stop..well, you know how it works…don’t you???? If not, change that moniker to one that is worthy of this forum. There really is no “interview panel”. What the hell do you think this is …a game show? On further reflection, you may be right….it’s all a big game…my bad!! Bob McCain for President! See, sooner or later, us Norwalkers get it straight!
Anon432

How many internal candidates, how many retired looking for second pension candidates, how many candidates qualified to do the job, how many candidates from failing districts are trying to grab hold of the Norwalk life boat, how many candidates are friends with Corda? So many questions.
Sherlock

Oh, OK.
Holmes

Why don’t you want him to go through a difficult interview process? How do you know he has been checked out? Was the principal at WR checked out the same way? Look at Norwalk’s history when it comes to hiring administrators. Any candidate going through this process should go through heavy scrutiny. Sherlock – Your know it all attitude is one of the problems with norwalk.
Sherlock

Oh, ok, Holmes, whatever. Turfgrrl…..your comments? Healthy sparring on your site? Thanks!
Anonymous

#42: No one has said that McCain shouldn’t have the same interview process. As for checking his references, that would be treating him differently than others because an employer usually does the reference check with the most recent employer. In McCain’s case, that is Norwalk, where he has established a positive record. Reference checks usually result in reports that are favorable to the candidate, or at the very most, neutral. The reason is that employers are warned not to give negative reports, for fear of lawsuits. McCain has something better: his record in Norwalk.

However, if you believe an interview with his previous employer is warranted, then you have to check the previous employer of any other internal candidate(s), no matter how far back it goes.
Holmes

#44 YIKES!! Not checking references!! Fear of lawsuits!!! That is music to the ears of every failed administrator who wants to tap into the norwalk money tree. Wake up. Ask the tough questions. Do the homework. Look into their backgrounds. Under what conditions did these people leave their previous jobs. Listen to both sides. Not just those you agree with.
Anonymous

McCain isn’t a failed administrator; he is a very successful one, and his success has been demonstrated in Norwalk. What better reference is there than that? If he had serious character deficiencies, they would have surfaced in Norwalk long ago.

You are on a McCain witch-hunt.
Anon

Okay, I’ll bite. Holmes has a point in post #45, and a valid one at that. If you had phrased yourself better in previous postings, my dear Holmes, you may have gotten that one simple point across without appearing to have a hidden agenda. I wholeheartedly agree with you about checking references since this is an area of concern that we, in Norwalk, continue to overlook. Had we previously known about some previous administrators’ employment histories and reviews, we would not be rocked by the muddy drips and dredgings in yourct.com. when “truth be told.”
As far as McCain goes, yes… he has proven himself to such a degree that he can stand firmly on his merits. However, Holmes has a point about checking employment history, but, of course… for any, all, and every candidate who wishes employment in Norwalk Public Schools. Let’s keep in mind that there have been two excellent vice-principals at the elementary level with exemplary leadership skills who moved on to fulfill that vision of what a quality school should and can be. There is such a thing as a stellar history of performance. That said, wouldn’t it be wise to make certain that that is the case?
Anon432

Thank you Shirley Mosby for questioning the process. I hope the BoE reflects and really listens to the observations of the interview committees. As for who is right for the job, that should be clearly visible to all once the process is finished. That is if the process is fair and honest.
Webby

Holmes
Regarding posting #42.
I would like to be clear on the fact that I whole heartedly agree that candidates should be investigated thoroughly. I was on the teacher-parent interview committee in 1995 (or was it 1996) when candidates were interviewed for the principal’s position at West Rocks. I was there, in the room, part of the decision making process. I know for a fact that I publicly questioned the 3 page list of former employment submitted by LCM. Why would anyone work in so many different places in a realtively short amount of time? I know for a fact that these candidates WERE NOT investigated indepth or former lawsuits would have surfaced immediately! None of this info was EVER brought out. I also know that our committee recommended a very good candidate who was already in the Norwalk system. The superintendent at the time, Victor (take the money and run) Herbert ignored our recommedation and appointed LCM, who was NOT a candidate we supported. Interview committees in Norwalk a joke? You’re preaching to the choir, Holmes! Been there, seen that already. I’m just trying to keep it from happening again!
Shocked!

Those HERBERT daze were part of our illustrious history of hiring “conmen.” Of course, if you come from Stamford, they don’t even call Stamford….Sumpter, Ruotolo….and the list goes on….

Track records in districts speak volumes…and McCain has a good one….On the other hand, look at the other middle school principal’s track records in Norwalk…why are they still around???????

Because it is Norwalk….