That still didn’t stop interim Superintendent William Pappalo from jokingly saying, “The turtles are moving,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to critics, including Norwalknet, who have lamented the slow pace of the BOE’s search.
Ms. Murray was quick to respond, “The turtle wins the race.”
The exchange occurred at the end of a full discussion about how the Board will solicit comments from community stakeholders.
On behalf of the Board, Ms. Murray released the following statement:
I am happy to share with you the important news about the next step in the superintendent search process.
The board of education has directed staff to arrange for meetings that will provide everyone in the community with an opportunity to share with the Board of Education their view as to what skills and talents the new superintendent should possess. The dates for these meetings will be announced shortly and will provide an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share their thinking about this matter with the board.
Tentative plans are underway at this time to hold a Public Forum on November 10th at 7 o’clock in the Community Room at City Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that all members of the community that wish to make their feeling know to the board have an opportunity to do so as the board moves forward in this very important process.
In addition, a number of groups will be invited to meet with the search consultants in focus meeting settings to share their thoughts with the consultants about this very important issue.
Meetings will not be the only forum for citizens to make their feelings known as there will also be a opportunity for anyone who wishes, to complete a Leadership Profile Assessment form which will be available at all schools and on the NPS website. In addition all citizens may share their thoughts with the search consultants in writing.
It is the board’s primary objective that, anyone who wishes their thoughts to be heard, has the opportunity to do so.
Ms. Murray also said that the Board would use information that they received from this past weekend's Community Conversation a forum that was organized by the Norwalk Education Foundation.
Eliza Holcomb, the consultant from CABE Search Services, was present at the BOE Meeting as an observer.
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How will the Board determine who gets to meet with the search consultants in a focus group setting? How many groupings will there be?
ReplyDeleteGood questions. I'll pose them to Ms. Murray and Dr. Pappallo.
ReplyDeletei think that Dr. Papallo and the present BOE chair have done a very good job at getting focus groups together and supporting the community. it is very challe nging to get the focus groups organized, but they are without a doubt letting tjhe public in on the process. Dr. papallo has a strong history of successful leadership in many urban settings, so he knows what it will take and what Norwalk will need, let's trust his guidance. Even though Rosa is not going to be on the BOE for the next so many years, let's not forget her understanding of the community, her knowledge of disttrict needs, and her rapport with many community consitituents. let's not throw the baby out with the bath water, now is the time to continue to engage and have thoughtful conversation, and support the cause regardless of party affiliation.
ReplyDeleteRosa has been part of the ending of the former supt's contract, the assistant, and the financial. those were monumental decisions. don't forget there were other political officials who are in office, municipal, former boe, and present who not only supported the contract of our former supt, but endorsed him oveer and over again.