NORWICH – Embattled Norwich Middle School Principal Lisa Schuchman, who was up for tenure in July, will have to wait another year as the board decided to extend her probation period from July 18, 2008 to July 17, 2009.
Following a brief executive session Tuesday, the Norwich City School Board announced the extension of Schuchman’s probationary period to a capacity crowd in the Eaton Center boardroom.
In February, a group of 19 teachers and support staff at the middle school made public their allegations of a hostile working environment under Schuchman’s auspices.
An opening statement read by Board President Robert Patterson notified the public of the board’s decision to have the matter handled by Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan. “We are deeply concerned with the matter, and we want the best for the students,” said Patterson.
Patterson said the board was aware of the concerns being addressed, adding that the majority of the complaints against the administrator were not brought up prior to receiving the letters in January.
Several members of the audience addressed the board during the public comment period. Seventh grade social studies teacher Matt Maholchic, representing the group of teachers who filed the complaints, passed out a letter to the board that had been turned in for publication to The Evening Sun (the letter appears on today’s Page 4).
Some parents and other faculty members stood and gave their support for Schuchman. “I have worked in the Norwich district for 21 years and I want to offer my support for the middle school principal,” said teacher Amy Spitler.
Sara Stewart has had three children pass through the middle school, with one currently enrolled there. She said she liked the changes she has seen under Schuchman.
A group of faculty and staff members at the middle school accused Schuchman of verbal abuse, sexual harassment and professional misconduct in a series of complaints filed with the district in January.
Various faculty members have stated the work environment is at times “vulgar” and “vindictive,” and that the morale at the middle school is low. As the weeks passed before Tuesday’s decision was made, O’Sullivan met individually with faculty members who chose to make their voices heard, after which time the district investigated the allegations and conducted a review.
Patterson said the district superintendent will continue to review and address any further concerns that may arise. “We look forward and expect the good work and actions by administrators, faculty, staff and most importantly our students will continue to succeed and make us proud,” he said.