NORWICH – A new administrative guideline that would require Norwich’s school board members to have the superintendent’s permission before visiting classrooms has some members up in arms.
Current protocol requires board members to obtain the approval of the full board prior to visiting school buildings. These restrictions apply only to activities other community members and/parents would not be allowed to do, such as visiting classrooms during the school day without prior permission. It does not limit board members from attending school activities, such as concerts or athletic events, or from stopping into the school office.
According to Board President Bob Patterson, the intent of the new policy is “to streamline the process and turn that authority from [the board] over to the superintendent.”
The move is a relaxation of the existing guidelines, “loosening up the rules and making it more fluid,” he explained at last week’s meeting of the Norwich City School District Board of Education. “If there is ever a conflict or question, it always comes back to the board.”
Rather than waiting for the next board meeting, those who would like to visit one of the buildings will contact the superintendent for permission. The district’s top administrator will then check with the building’s principal before granting approval.
According to Patterson, the proposed policy is actually “looser” than the one the New York State School Board Association recommends.
“I think it’s healthy that school board members visit the schools,” said Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan, stating that he doesn’t want to discourage visits, but rather ensure those visits are not disruptive to the learning process during the school day.
“I just think it’s a matter of good operating practice,” he explained.
Not all board members were in agreement, however. Priscilla Johnson spoke out against the proposed policy, saying she felt it was “oppressive.” She made a motion to table the discussion until the full board was present, as board member Sally Chirlin was absent.
“I just don’t feel comfortable with this,” Timothy Brown said, seconding Johnson’s motion.
They did not, however, find the support they needed to delay the discussion from the remainder of the board.
Board member Perry Owen expressed his belief that calling the superintendent was a matter of “common courtesy.”
Kathy Coates agreed with Owen’s assessment, adding that she couldn’t understand what emergency situation could arise that would necessitate a board member suddenly needing to enter one of the school buildings.
“I don’t know what would warrant that,” Coates said.
As the proposed guideline had already been approved by the policy committee, it will come forward for its first reading at the next board meeting, scheduled for March 3. It will become policy after it is read a second time on March 17.