Tuesday night’s BOE meeting was not without the usual fireworks, this time centering on Corda’s relationship with Magdalia Rivas and his decision to hire Karen Lang to sit on principal reviews. Rivas apaprently has issues with Corda’s unilateral move. Rivas was also upset becuase Corda, via email, informed her that her request for some report was inappropriate.
Bobby Burgess sent an emissary to read a letter to the BOE, blasting the District D Democrats and Greg Burnett for alledging that Rivas is “friends with Jack Daniels” and referenced that her slurred speech was actually due to a topical tooth medication.
This ladies and gentlemen, is your BOE at work.
So why is Karen Land back? Well, there’s quite a few vacancies right now, and at least according to the Advocate:
Lang has been working to help her replacement, former Director of Secondary Education Tony Daddona, move into the position, Superintendent Salvatore Corda said. She also sat in on interviews for elementary school principals.
Lang is being paid $750 to $800 per day. Corda said she has worked “a few days” but did not have the number.
Lang earned a $225,668 salary last year.
Lang’s per diem rate is covered by the salary that was set aside for the new position being created by combining the directors of elementary and secondary education, which isn’t filled yet.
Corda said Lang’s work with Daddona was expected as he settles in.
“We’ve done this on any number of occasions in the past,” Corda said.
Sitting in on the principal interviews also is important, Corda said.
“There’s kind of a dynamic that takes place in those interviews between the superintendent and assistant superintendent,” Corda said. “I wanted to give Mr. Daddona the opportunity to see the kind of interaction that occurs.”
Greg Burnett, chairman of the school board’s Finance Committee, said he did not see a problem with having Lang work for the district while several administration positions are vacant. Whether Lang should be involved in interviews should be up to the superintendent, he said.
The BOE should operate in a non political way, so its distressing to see gadfly Bobby Burgess dragging in complete political nonsense into a BOE meeting. If Rivas had a problem with what Burnett may have said, they’re adults, they can resolve issues themselves. As for what District D Democrats have to do with the BOE, perhaps Burgess should address those types of concerns in his town committee meeting.
The policy issues that were approved included a temporary policy to allow Norwalk resident teachers to have their children attend the same school they teach at. They also approved the price of school lunches being raised.
source: Advcoate, Ex-administrator’s per diem questioned, By Lisa Chamoff, 08/07/2008
It seems like you have all you ducks in a row. I hope some one out there is reading. Also, I hope that teachers show to convocation. I think even if there is no respect left for Corda and his crew then we should at least show our professionalism. I like Tony. I hope he kicks Karen to the curb, as my students would say, so he could save us some money.
