NORWICH – Middle School Principal Lisa Schuchman officially became a tenured administrator at 9:28 p.m. Tuesday night. The Norwich City School Board of Education returned after a two-and-a-half-hour executive session to pass the motion by a 4-3 vote.
Casting votes in favor of Schuchman’s tenure were board president Bob Patterson, board members Kathy Coates, Joe Stagliano and the board’s newest addition, Perry Owen. Tim Brown, Sally Chirlin and Priscilla Johnson were all in opposition.
The board’s decision may come as a surprise to some. It follows a March ruling by the board to extend Schuchman’s probationary status until July of 2009. Nor did it appear on the agenda for last night’s meeting.
At approximately 7 p.m. the motion was made and carried to enter executive session to review the exit interview information of 29 former staff members, the personnel records of two particular staff members and contract negotiations. “We may return to take action,” Patterson told the crowd as the board prepared to leave the room. There was no indication at the time what that action would be.
When the board returned around 9:30 p.m., they voted on two motions in quick succession. The first was the approval of a contract for Dr. Robert Cleveland as interim principal at the high school. The second was Schuchman’s tenure. The board returned to executive session immediately following these actions and were therefore unavailable for comment.
Middle School music teacher Julie Solomon, who will be leaving the district for a position at Oxford Academy, was visibly upset by the news. Solomon was one of the 19 teachers and staff members who filed complaints against the principal in February. Earlier in the evening, she took the opportunity to make one final plea to the board in what would be her last meeting as an employee of the district.
“I’d like to ask you as a board to open those lines of communication,” said Solomon as she expressed her view that many of the problems faced by the district in the past year could have been avoided by better communication between staff and administration.
According to Solomon, she has yet to hear any response from the board about the issues she brought to their attention. “I felt that I at least should have been acknowledged,” said the music teacher.
Amy Spittler, who has taught at the Middle School for 21 years, also stood during public comment. She spoke positively about the energy and enthusiasm at the school as new and returning teachers prepare for students to return on Thursday. “It’s very nice to see everyone working together,” said Spittler.
Spittler, who chose not to wait out the extended executive session, could barely contain her excitement when she heard the news of Schuchman’s tenure.
“I’ve always believed that Mrs. Schuchman has done what is best for students,” said Spittler. “I and many others are pleased she will continue in her role as middle school principal.”
Schuchman, who did not attend the school board meeting, learned the news of her tenure late last night. “I’m overly excited that I’m able to continue in this great school,” said Schuchman. “As always, the kids come first and we’re looking forward to moving forward.”
The Norwich Middle School will hold a meet and greet today from noon to 4:30 p.m. Members of the community are invited attend.