Knapp reaches agreement with NHS, resigns
NORWICH – Norwich High School students, parents and staff need no longer speculate on whether or not Thomas Knapp will return to the building as principal. After five months, they have their answer.
Norwich High School’s absent principal has tendered his resignation.
The move, which will no doubt come as a surprise to some, was made as part of a settlement agreement negotiated by representatives from both sides.
The Norwich City School Board of Education was informed of Knapp’s resignation during executive session at Tuesday night’s board meeting. Board members returned from the brief closed session just long enough to adopt a resolution approving the settlement and granting School Board President Bob Patterson the authority to “sign all documents necessary to bring the matter to conclusion.”
The motion to adopt the resolution, made by board member Kathy Coates and seconded by Perry Owen, was carried 4-3. Tim Brown, Sally Chirlin and Priscilla Johnson voted in opposition.
As read by Patterson, the resolution stated that Knapp’s notice of claim against the district had “been withdrawn through negotiation, thus avoiding expensive and protracted litigation.”
Knapp filed the Notice of Claim with the district clerk on Aug. 19 after he said he received a letter of termination from the district. His allegations against the district, school board and Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan included discrimination “for a perceived mental disability,” violation of his right to due process, and that he was prevented from seeking other employment. These claims were never substantiated and, because of pending litigation, the district was unable to comment on the allegations.
Knapp went on medical leave in mid-May and said he was asked not to return. He remained on the district payroll for the duration of the five-month period he was absent from the school.
Now that the principal’s resignation has been accepted and a settlement agreement has been reached, the district will begin the process of finding a permanent replacement for Knapp.
In the meantime, Dr. Robert Cleveland will continue as the building’s interim principal until the end of the 2008-09 school year.
“The district is fortunate to have Dr. Cleveland to continue on as principal,” said O’Sullivan. “He is engaging staff and working with staff and we look forward to great results.”
According to the superintendent, details of the settlement agreement will not be released as they are part of a personnel matter.
Knapp could not be reached for comment.
Norwich High School’s absent principal has tendered his resignation.
The move, which will no doubt come as a surprise to some, was made as part of a settlement agreement negotiated by representatives from both sides.
The Norwich City School Board of Education was informed of Knapp’s resignation during executive session at Tuesday night’s board meeting. Board members returned from the brief closed session just long enough to adopt a resolution approving the settlement and granting School Board President Bob Patterson the authority to “sign all documents necessary to bring the matter to conclusion.”
The motion to adopt the resolution, made by board member Kathy Coates and seconded by Perry Owen, was carried 4-3. Tim Brown, Sally Chirlin and Priscilla Johnson voted in opposition.
As read by Patterson, the resolution stated that Knapp’s notice of claim against the district had “been withdrawn through negotiation, thus avoiding expensive and protracted litigation.”
Knapp filed the Notice of Claim with the district clerk on Aug. 19 after he said he received a letter of termination from the district. His allegations against the district, school board and Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan included discrimination “for a perceived mental disability,” violation of his right to due process, and that he was prevented from seeking other employment. These claims were never substantiated and, because of pending litigation, the district was unable to comment on the allegations.
Knapp went on medical leave in mid-May and said he was asked not to return. He remained on the district payroll for the duration of the five-month period he was absent from the school.
Now that the principal’s resignation has been accepted and a settlement agreement has been reached, the district will begin the process of finding a permanent replacement for Knapp.
In the meantime, Dr. Robert Cleveland will continue as the building’s interim principal until the end of the 2008-09 school year.
“The district is fortunate to have Dr. Cleveland to continue on as principal,” said O’Sullivan. “He is engaging staff and working with staff and we look forward to great results.”
According to the superintendent, details of the settlement agreement will not be released as they are part of a personnel matter.
Knapp could not be reached for comment.
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