SHARE

Norwalk School Superintendent Sets Jan. 31 As Last Day On The Job

NORWALK, Conn. -- Norwalk Public Schools Superintendent Manuel Rivera announced Thursday that he will resign his position effective Jan. 31.

Norwalk Superintendent Manuel Rivera announced Thursday that he will resign his position, effective Jan. 31, 2015.

Norwalk Superintendent Manuel Rivera announced Thursday that he will resign his position, effective Jan. 31, 2015.

Photo Credit: Daily Voice file photo

"During the past several weeks, I have been wrestling with the most difficult decision of my personal and professional career," Rivera wrote in a message to parents Thursday. "The primary reasons for my departure are highly personal and it is with a heavy heart that I have reached this conclusion."

Though Rivera did not state his reasons for leaving Norwalk, The Hour reported that he will leave to take a position as superintendent of New London Public Schools. 

Rivera was appointed as Norwalk's superintendent in July 2013. He previously served as superintendent of the Rochester, N.Y., school system, as New York's deputy secretary of education, and as CEO of the New London-based educational consultancy Achieve to Believe International.

Rivera said he was appreciative of the support he has received from the families within the district during his time as superintendent.

"I am confident that the Norwalk Public Schools of today are in a much better place than they were two years ago. With your support, we have accomplished a great deal," Rivera wrote.

He highlighted several achievements from his brief time in Norwalk, including the new K-5 Literacy Strategy, the increase in students in summer school programs, the hiring of full-time curriculum and instruction site directors for each elementary school, the opening of the Norwalk Early College Academy, the International Baccalaureate program at Brien McMahon High School, reorganization of the Special Education department, increased availability of wireless technology in the schools, and expanded communication with families and the community through the internet and social media.

He said that he is committed to performing his duties throughout his remaining tenure, including presenting a budget next month for the 2015-16 school year and working to help the transition to the next superintendent.

"Moving forward, I firmly believe that Norwalk's established goals for the school district can be achieved with an environment of collaboration, a tolerance for risk taking, and the confidence and full support of the Board of Education," he said. "I genuinely want to thank the entire Norwalk community for giving me the opportunity to serve as your superintendent."

to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE