Norwalk Schools district is well resourced

To the Editor

The following is an open letter to Norwalk Public Schools staff and Board of Education from Interim Superintendent James Connelly.

Dear Colleagues,

As the 2014-15 school year ends I want to express my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome, cooperation and professionalism you have demonstrated since my appointment as Interim Superintendent of Schools in February. Your dedication to our students and commitment to quality programs that focus on the progress of Norwalk’s children is commendable.

Norwalk is not a school district “in crisis” as some of the negative publicity and perception about the school district would have you believe.  The district is well resourced.  There is an active and engaged community concerned about and supporting quality programs for children. Strong partnerships with municipal agencies and departments, Norwalk Community College, Norwalk Housing Authority, Norwalk ACTS and others enhance the opportunities for our youth.

While Norwalk has educational and social challenges that must be recognized and addressed in a transparent and comprehensive manner, the community has a solid foundation in place upon which to build, as well as a tremendous amount of positive momentum that must be captured as part of a shared vision for Norwalk.

I will continue to serve as Interim Superintendent until mid-July when Dr. Steven Adamowski will start his tenure as your new Superintendent. Until then I will continue to say proudly and with conviction that I am part of the Norwalk Public Schools.

Please accept my best wishes for a restful and safe summer, and a successful 2015-16 school year.

Sincerely,

James A. Connelly

Norwalk interim Superintendent of Schools