This is indeed a strange election, as far as the Board of Education is concerned. Generally, incumbents run on their records. But that’s kind of difficult when state monitors have had the final say on most major initiatives the past two years. And anyway, most of the public is not overly concerned with the nuances of this or that curriculum or organizational reform. It’s even less interested in bland pronouncements about data teams that may or may not be functioning in the schools.
One issue that seems to have caught the attention of the public – and those trying to unseat the incumbents – is communication; more precisely, the lack of clear and consistent communication between the BOE and the schools, between the BOE and the school administration, between the BOE and the press, and most importantly, between the BOE and the public.
Considering the amount of money spent on technology, and of course the explosion (to put it mildly) of personal instant communication, this problem is more than a little ironic. I am honestly dumbfounded when I read in the local press that this or that Board member did not return calls from the press.
This, by the way, is not a debatable issue since the recent Cambridge and CREC reports, as well as the study done by auditors of the Board’s Finance Department, all concluded that the lack of sustained communication between the BOE and just about everyone else needs to improve drastically. Nonetheless, I was not surprised to read in The Hour’s Election Edition that none of the three incumbents running for re-election mentioned improved communication as a challenge facing the school system.
There is one issue, however, that I do not believe has been properly discussed. It has to do with the new superintendent, whenever he or she begins work. Much has been said about the necessary qualities and qualifications of candidates, and whether they should be homegrown or not. My concern is what happens after he or she is hired.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that various Boards of Education in Norwalk have had love-hate relationships with superintendents; that is, they loved them and thus became rubber stamps, or they hated them and thus opposed everything they tried to do. The most recent example of this was the relatively sudden (at least in public) about-face vis-à-vis Corda: For far too long the Board accepted everything he said as gospel. Then suddenly – I’m talking about a period of roughly two or three months – they decided to question and question and question virtually everything he said or did. There was no in-between.
The point is, how do the incumbents or challengers plan to work with the new superintendent from the beginning? My hunch – based on many past statements and actions – is that the incumbents believe it is necessary to go along with the new gal or guy in town to the point where members of the public will start to accuse them of rubber stamping, etc. I don’t know how the challengers feel about working with, in contrast to being subservient to, the new superintendent. I hope the candidates can address this issue before Election Day.
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Bruce, is there any chance that you will consider running for the board again, that is, if enough of the incumbents are voted off?
ReplyDeleteThere is a chance, assuming my party will nominate me. I had some fairly serious health issues that are now under under control.
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to hear your thoughts. Norwalk Teacher
ReplyDeleteThanks Bruce. The parents of Norwalk have missed you. It was insightful to hear your views on the upcoming election. I'm glad you're feeling better.
ReplyDeletewith a new BOE, it is hoped that your requirements for superintendent inclue experience in central office, and experience in urban settings like Norwalk. Central office experience is key and important to begin the job without that would not only fail the candidate, but fail the district and the community. we don't need any more of that.
ReplyDeletelet's support the work of Dr. Bill Papallo, interim superintendent and the work of the CABE group who is enlisting input for all stakeholders. Dr. Papallo has many years of experience, and had experience in Norwalk before, and Stamford, and I think Meriden. He knows what it will take to hire the right person, and he has the interest of Norwalk at stake. Let him guide the process as he has been doing.
ReplyDeletenew boe members can bring fresh ideas and other recommendations for our district. I would recommend that this board not lose sight of the hard work and major challenges that Rosa Murray as chair had to deal with. Sometimes we forget the good work and foundation that was set when she was on the board. many times we just look at the perceived negative outcomes, and not some of the good things. it was under her tutilege that the most recent superintendent's contract was not renewed, as well as the assistant superintendent, and let's not forget the chief of finance who was also not kept on board. The job of a BOE member is a daunting one, and many hours of hard work go into the job, and for no financial compensation. I wish the new board well in their work ahead, and do hope that the hard work of former board members does not go unnoticed and unrecognized. It is imortant that the board align itself with the community as a whole, and it is not about a political party, but doing right for all students in Norwalk. Outgoing board membeers can serve as real allies for the new board, and provide great insight! Don't just cast them away, but keep the lines open and together.
ReplyDeleteremember bruce kimmel--a loyal boe member. he questioned everything, and asked for more info if he needed to come to decisions--he too faced criticism but he is still consulted. bruce has experience in urban district, and I would bet on it if you asked him what he would see as a necessary requirement for a superintendent. I would venture to say--someone who knows the community, not afraid to take a risk, has experience in central office so he/or she could hit the ground running to work with the board to set the course for the district to achieve its goals.
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