William R Papallo Set to be Interim Sup

The Board of Education is set to appoint William R. Papallo as Interim Superintendent for Norwalk schools at a BOE meeting to be held tonight. Dr. Papallo replaces Sal Corda who resigned as Superindent in June.

Dr. Papallo previously served as Interim Superindent in Norwalk nine years ago after Victor Herbert was let go by the BOE. In the past decade Dr. Papallo has become the fill-in of choice for many school districts in Southern Connecticut. Most recently he was Interim Superintendent for Litchfield Public Schools.

His resume, obtained by NorwalkNet and posted below, shows that he has held an interim post for five other Connecticut school districts. The resume shows amongst other things that Dr. Papallo has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. He has a Master's in Social Science and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University.

NorwalkNet has also obtained a copy of Dr. Papallo's proposed contract. It shows that he will be paid a pro-rated salary based on Dr. Corda's base pay, based on a working year of 220 days. The contract also specifies that the BOE will provide Dr. Papallo a car for personal and business use. Under the terms of the contract Dr. Papallo can continue taking on paid consulting assignments, teaching, and speaking engagements in addition to his duties as Interim Superintendent.

The appointment of Dr. Papallo brings an experienced educator back to Norwalk who can help steady the ship while the BOE searches for Dr. Corda's permanent replacement. Nevertheless, one wonders whether the School District would not have been better served by recruiting an Interim Superintendent internally? Someone who has more in-depth knowledge of Norwalk's school culture and particular challenges may have worked to make lasting improvements to our schools rather than acting as a placeholder.

Action Item Interim Superintendent