Interim Sup Has Full Plate and Short Time

The clock is ticking on William Papallo's term as interim superintendent. In an interview with NorwalkNet last week, Dr. Papallo revealed that under Connecticut state law as a retired superintendent he can't work more than 5 months.

"In some ways I think it's unfair because if I worked for a school district outside of Connecticut the limit would not apply," he said.

One of Dr. Papallo's priorities during his short tenure will be to help guide the search for a permanent superintendent.

"The process should be streamlined," he said commenting on Norwalk's search strategy which in the past has dragged out. "People don't want to run a gauntlet. They won't apply here because once it's known they're a candidate they could be wounded in their home district."

Another priority for Dr. Papallo is to resolve issues that came about as a result of last year's budget process which has led to staff reductions. "It will take time to smooth out the wrinkles," he said.

One of the issues Dr. Papallo is grappling with in this area is the reinstatement of assistant principal positions that were cut. As previously reported, the district is exploring whether it can use ARRA stimulus funding or savings from not having to transport students to Wright Tech to reinstate positions.

In addition he is also seeking to reinstate an HR Assistant position.

Beyond the administrative tasks Dr. Papallo said that it was important for the Norwalk school district to advance the education of every child.

"Many of the ideas for education reform are interesting, but I fear there is so much emphasis on process and not enough substance," he said. "It frightens me. I dislike No Child Left Behind because it seeks information we already have. Teachers are under so much pressure today because of the law."

Dr. Papallo said he believed that many of the best teaching moments occurred when educators are not "straight jacketed"

Dr. Papallo said that he is also involved in negotiating the new contract with Norwalk's teachers which is set to expire at the end of the current school year. He said that the contract negotiations should be completed in a couple of meetings.

"By the time the new superintendent is hired, the contract negotiation will be essentially over," Dr. Papallo said.