NORWICH – Most of the Norwich senior class was at Monday’s special school board meeting to show support for absent high school Principal Thomas Knapp. Despite their attempts, the seniors were not allowed to speak and the board went immediately into executive session.
Knapp, who has been with the district almost three years, has not returned from a medical leave of absence since before the Memorial Day. Former district Superintendent Robert Cleveland is filling in as interim principal.
Teacher Bruce Race spoke at the June 3 meeting, stating Knapp was healthy but had not returned. Another district employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the principal was told by Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan not to return to his post. Others have claimed Knapp is not allowed on Norwich school property. Although not on the job, Knapp did show up at a BOCES awards ceremony Friday to accept “Administrator of the Year” honors (see box).
As the question as to what happened with Knapp went unanswered, graduating seniors began to sign a petition stating they wanted him to be present for upcoming events that the seniors say, “would not be complete without him.”
Following the opening of the meeting, Board President Robert Patterson immediately received a motion to move into executive session to discuss the matter of a “person(s) employment history.” A vote was passed and as board members began to leave, senior Jaimie Sanita asked to be heard.
“As I’m sure you’re aware, according to Norwich City Schools Board policy Section A106.3, all meetings of the board of education, including committee meetings and study sessions, shall be open to the public, and all attendants will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. Section B106.3 ensures us that the same procedures applying to regular meetings also applies to special meetings,” said the student.
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