BOE Stresses Confidentiality in Superintendent Search

The search for a new Norwalk School Superintendent was a major topic of discussion at last night's (8/18/09) Board of Education meeting.

"We need to figure out the timeframe, the pros and cons of a search firm and how to get involvement from the community," said Board Chair Rosa Murray who is responsible for appointing a superintendent search committee.

Ms. Murray said that Dr. Papallo would be on the Search Committee and that his experience would be a great asset.

In addition, Board Member Glenn Iannacone recommended that Mayor Richard Moccia, who was present at the meeting, be appointed to the committee as previous mayors have been in the past. Mayor Moccia agreed saying that he thought it important for him to be on the committee, "The Superintendent works closely with the Mayor."

A search committee will be decided upon by the next BOE meeting on Sept. 1, said Chair Murray.

Both Chair Murray and Dr. Papallo stressed the importance of confidentiality in the search for a new superintendent. "It is hard to get quality candidates if we can't guarantee confidentiality. Candidates do not want their home districts to know that they are applying," said Chair Murray.

"While everyone want a piece of the pie, we have to guarantee that there is privacy," said Dr. Papallo, "Otherwise we risk losing good candidates."

In addition, Dr. Papallo said that he would make recommendations to the Board about ways to streamline the search process.

In an interview with NorwalkNet earlier in the day, Dr. Papallo said the search process in Norwalk is too long with too many meetings. "People don't want to run the gauntlet if they think the process is too long. They just won't apply here."

"They could be wounded in their home district if the search drags on. We cut down our chances of getting top quality candidates by having such a long process."

I think that the the need for confidentiality is understandable. Norwalk wants the highest quality candidates and that can only be achieved if candidates are assured their home districts won't find out they are applying elsewhere. However, I also believe that confidentiality must be balanced with engagement with the public. For example, what qualifications and skill sets does the public think are important in their new superintendent?

I found that Ms. Murray was short on specifics about how the Board would engage the community in the search process. I think it's important that stakeholders, especially parents, are a part of the process. Perhaps one way of doing this is to have a PTO member part of the search committee.