NORWICH – “Back-door” politics are dividing the Norwich City School District Board of Education, board members argued at their annual meeting.
Tuesday, amidst bickering and accusations of hidden agendas, the six-member board failed to fill its vacant seventh seat left by Bill Winans, who resigned last month.
In separate 3-3 and 3-2 votes, Sally Chirlin, Tim Brown and Priscilla Johnson voted against both nominees – Clyde Birch and Judie Wright, both former members – and the position was left unoccupied. Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan said the board can re-visit the issue at a later time.
“It is obvious that some of the board members have a hidden agenda,” said board member Kathleen Coates, who voted for Birch. “Shame on them.”
After lengthy discussions on who would be named the next president and vice president, Patterson and Brown were selected respectively.
“What makes you feel qualified to be vice president?” Coates asked Brown before nominating herself for the position. “I do what I can with what I have,” said Brown. Coates’ nomination was not seconded and Brown was named vice president for the year.
Following comments made during public comment, new member Joseph Stagliano, who earlier removed his name from the nominees for board president, said he had concerns the board was not addressing.
“This community needs a BOE that works together,” he said, adding that he wanted to know the reasons why the fellow members of the board voted against bringing Birch back on. “I thought we all agreed?” he said, referring to discussions that apparently took place outside the board room over the phone, through e-mail coorespondence and in-person visits. “What changed after committing to put Clyde on the board?”
There's more to this story! You're only seeing 50% of the story. 
powered by 
