Robert Poselli, the new IT director, briefed the group about the new district website, which is anticipated to replace the current blue NPS website in March. (http://portal.norwalkps.org/default.aspx)
According to Dr. Polselli, some schools are already using the new portal and training is being conducted throughout the district to maximize its potential use. Each school has a technology liaison that will further impart technical expertise throughout the school communities.
He emphasized that the site functions on a “distributed ownership model” which means that hundreds of people are able to post and modify information on the sites, as opposed to one or two. For example, teachers can post homework assignments and collaborate with other teachers on documents, instructional specialists can post curriculum, and PTOs can update their events calendars. There are two layers to the website: a public side and a private side that is password protected that only teachers and administrators can access. The site will have the capability to be translated into Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Dr. Polselli also said that the IT department is working on a notification system that will send messages to parents and staff based on their preferred mode of communication: phone calls, emails, or text messages. The notification system will be used initially for emergencies such as school closings and delays, but can later be used for other reminders. The notification system will roll out fully next year when information can be collected at the beginning of the year on the emergency cards and at open houses. The system will be different than NPS Connect which will be discontinued in favor another program.
At the meeting, Lauren Rosato of the Norwalk Education Foundation summarized a letter that was written by the organizers, including NEF, of the Community Conversation held in October. The letter focuses on the lack of two-way communication about the superintendent search process. The letter states:
We respectfully request that you listen to what the community is saying especially as it relates to the superintendent search process. We believe that the search process is not being effectively communicated to the public, nor is the communication a two-way dialogue. Other than the Leadership Profile forums held in November, there has been no opportunity for the community’s input.The letter was signed by Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations, Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Community College, Norwalk Education Foundation, Norwalk League of Women Voters, Norwalk NAACP, Norwalk PTO Council, and state Senator Bob Duff.
It has been reported that five candidates were interviewed, that one will return for a second interview, that a new interim starts shortly, that the job search continues, and that the final candidate will be presented to the public. The presentation of just a final candidate does not allow for dialogue with more than one candidate. We want to make sure there’s an airing of more than one person so the community feels comfortable with the decision the board is making.
We also would like to know what process is being followed for candidate interviews, what
questions are being asked, and how candidates are being disqualified. This is the most important decision that you will be making and it affects all of us. For this reason, community input should be considered.
In addition to the Board, the letter was sent to the 121 participants of the Community Conversation.
Board Chair Glenn Iannacone said that there is “not a major public piece “ to the superintendent search. Communications Committee Chair Erin Halsey said that the public should have “trust in the Board.”
Mr. Iannacone did clarify that there may be more than one finalist brought before the public depending on the number of qualified candidates the board interviews.
Ms. Halsey also discussed reaching out to local media outlets to make sure that good news about NPS was being reported.
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