Comments on: BOE Claims It Can Find Next Superintendent

By: NorwalkSpectator

NorwalkSpectator — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:23:32 +0000

T-minus 20 days and counting.

By: And another thing . . .

And another thing . . . — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:20:15 +0000

Let’s not forget that Murray and Jimenez gave us Corda, Murray and Mosby gave us Dadonna (over McCain) and the three of them haven’t done anything to start the process for hiring a new superintendent. Election day can’t come fast enough

By: NorwalkSpectator

NorwalkSpectator — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:58:21 +0000

T minus 23 days and counting…..

By: Beleagured Taxpayer

Beleagured Taxpayer — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:41:10 +0000

The incumbent democraps who championed Corda must be voted OUT next month.

By: WRMS

WRMS — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:25:34 +0000

Anybody that supported the principal of West Rocks Middle School for ten years despite hundreds of people having left the school does not qualify as being called “not a bad guy”. Hundreds of professionals were either fired, nonrenewed, transferred to another school, forced to resign or retired early from that school. Lawsuits galore. The lady was forced out of every position she had held in half a dozen states. I hope we do a background check on the next Superintendent and stop hiring lemons that other districts don’t want.

But there’s no problems at West Rocks. Despite ranking the top school in Norwalk for turnover rates since 1999. I read that one year the school had more teachers turnovers than half of all Norwalk schools combined. A disgrace that she is still employed.

By: AuntBertha

AuntBertha — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:37:46 +0000

Would Ralph Sloan come back if we begged?

By: NorwalkCoach

NorwalkCoach — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 07:58:38 +0000

NwlkSpectator, it may be a grueling process but when one considers some of the antics of a number of the administrators the board has hired, it begs the questions: Are they asking the right questions? Do they know the answers that good candidates would give?

There is so little about this board that instills confidence in me. Vote out all incumbent candidates this fall.

By: SecondhandRose

SecondhandRose — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:29:03 +0000

So you mean to tell me that the BOE is incapable of sending out solicitations for resumes through employment agencies, websites and newspapers? Gosh, that's really amusing. Museums manage to find executive directors, curators, and other staff simply by putting ads in NEMA publications – why shouldn't the BOE be able to publicise their search in educational publications and other print and online venues?

Hiring a search firm, particularly during a recession when money is tight everywhere, is an irresponsible use of taxpayer funds. In fact, any BOE ought to be able to find a person to fill a superintendent position from the pool of teachers and education professionals within its own district. A national search shouldn't even be a necessity.

By: NwlkSpectator

NwlkSpectator — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:03:55 +0000

I couldn't agree with you more, Norwalk Coach. From what others have said, Jimenez and Murray were both on the Board that approved Corda. People might do well to remember that fact come Election Day. Ya reap what ya sow, or in other words, what goes around, comes around.

I also am given to understand that preceding Superintendent of Schools was no bundle of joy either, but personally, the BOE wasn't on my radar back then, so I can't say yea or nay.

From what I have heard of the various discussions, the former system was that the candidates for positions were interviewed and the Superintendent would choose the finalist and recommend that the Board confirm the appointment. That would allow cronyism, as a matter of fact, it would almost promote it. Now things have changed and the Board apparently controls the interview process much more tightly and they are flexing their muscles for a show of force, like they did with the appointment of Karen Ocaski (sp?) as the Nathan Hale principal. However, that particular skirmish was not to the Board's advantage, as virtually every Nathan Hale parent and assorted relatives turned out to make their point that the staff, the students and the parents wanted Ms. Ocaski for the job. The selection of Mr. Mecca for Norwalk High principal went much smoother for them and they used a third party search firm for that.

It's sure is gonna be a couple of interesting months til the election. Pass the popcorn, would ya?

By: NwlkSpectator

NwlkSpectator — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:42:21 +0000

One of the first things that Dr. Papallo said when he attended the first Board meeting was that the BOE's interview process was so grueling and difficult that one candidate walked away saying he would never apply for a position like that again. I don't know if it was for the principalship of one of the schools or the Superintendent's position. I don't believe Dr. Papallo said one way or the other.

While that remark could be interpreted as the candidate was not the right one for the position, the ominous fact is that word gets around. Apparently there were also confidentiality issues, too. Neither of those facts bode well for Norwalk attracting good candidates. And of course, the teacher's union suit against the BOE just adds a whole new dimension to it.

Here's an idea…why don't the BOE members just give up their day jobs and take over as the administration for the District? They are already doing such a fine job. Just ask the parents or the NFT.