Pauline Smith, Norwalk’s new director of special education, has come full circle. Early in her career, Smith taught special education at Kendall Elementary School. “I had such a positive experience in Norwalk. I’m really excited to be back.” Smith says. She is currently the director of Special Services in Brookfield, Conn.
Smith remembers fondly Norwalk’s diverse community. She says her own experiences give her a unique perspective on people of different backgrounds. “I have taught in many different countries including Pakistan, Ecuador and Egypt. And I have first hand experience with immigrant communities.”
Before Brookfield, she was the Assistant Director for Special Services in Wilton. Smith has a doctorate in education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University and a master’s from Fairfield University. Originally from England, Smith graduated from the University of Leeds.
Good communication, consistent programs and compliance with federal and state laws are key to a strong special education department, says Smith. “I am very hands on and spend a lot of time in the schools. I have no hidden agendas. It is very important to build trust. Parents don’t want to be surprised by things.”
Smith intends to reduce “outplacement” costs in the department. The district has to pay for private school for special education students whose needs are not being met by the Norwalk Public schools. According to Smith’s resume, she reduced the number of outplacements in Brookfield by 40%. “If we have a strong program, we can keep kids in the district. Most parents would prefer to keep their kids as close to home as possible."
On the legal front, Smith says that the department must be compliant with federal and state laws. “We always have to ask ourselves "are we in compliance with regulations?" We don’t need spend money on attorneys if we are doing the right thing.” Smith does, however, acknowledge there are times that a lawyer will be needed. She says that it is her job director to know as director when the district does in fact need a lawyer.
Smith has read the entire CREC (Capital Region Education Council) report --a 2008 study critical of Norwalk’s special education department. Upon arriving in Norwalk, Smith plans to assess what changes have been made since the report was issued. “I’ll need to see what has been done. I want to celebrate what is being done well and build on those things. Of course, we’ll need to develop an action plan for areas where we still need improvement.”
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