NORWALK, Conn. Staffing at Norwalk schools central office continues to the be a hot topic at the citys Board of Education meetings. This week, for the second meeting in a row, Superintendent Susan Marks pushed for a new position that would take over the functions of several eliminated positions.
There were five positions cut, Im asking for one back, she said.
The Norwalk central office administration lost the director of elementary education, instructional specialist for grants, instructional specialist for academically talented/social studies, IT staff and secretarial staff. At the close of budget season in June, the Board of Education agreed to let Marks reorganize and add central office staff with funds that were unallocated.
The position is to support curriculum and instruction, said Marks. The primary functions would be overseeing grants, academically talented education, and afterschool and other programs.
"Its a big job with supervisory responsibilities, said Marks, explaining why she made the job a director level job with a salary of approximately $150,000. Marks said she and Assistant Superintendent Tony Daddona will still be solely responsible for evaluating principals.
Board members appeared divided about the proposed position. Sue Haynie, Glenn Iannaccone and Heidi Keyes spoke in favor of the position. But the idea met resistance from Board member Steve Colarossi, who questioned whether Marks could create a less senior position.
During public comments, teachers union president Bruce Mellion said that job was too broad in scope. Its not a position for one person. Its not doable in its current format.
The board did not decide on the position but Marks also outlined how the central office could be reorganized. The proposed plan included a department of school performance -- not tied to the administrators union -- that would evaluate the districts principals. She also proposed year-round instructional specialists, an expanded role for teachers to work on district projects, and more resources for human resources, community outreach and public relations.
What positions do you think Norwalk's schools need?
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