Norwich School Board still divided over 7th member

NORWICH – Despite the current “even” number of members, the Norwich City School board managed to pass all but one motion at its August meeting – the notable exception being how to fill the board’s vacant seventh seat.

The slot remains vacant despite the presence of several individuals willing to take on the position, public entreaties, a petition, a motion by a standing board member and a letter from DCMO BOCES Superintendent Alan Pole. The position opened in June with the resignation of longtime board member William Winans.

“I encourage any appointment of a seventh board member to be decided by a fair and democratic public election,” said Norwich High School staff member Lorry Chwazik during the period of public comment at the board of education meeting Tuesday.

Following Chwazik’s statement, several individuals indicated their willingness to take on the role, including Norwich resident Perry Owen and former school board member Clyde Birch.

Owen, who served on the board of governors at Bedford Grammar School in England, said he was approached by several parties after a previous meeting and asked to consider being on the board. “Even members result in total stagnation,” said Owen.

Birch expressed his continued interest in serving again on the Norwich City School Board of Education. “I am honest and forthright,” said Birch. “Sometimes too honest and too forthright for some.”

During written communication, a petition signed by more than 150 district residents was entered into the record. The petition, which appeared as a letter to the editor in The Evening Sun, appealed to the logic of the board.