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NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk Superintendent Susan Marks received two standing ovations from members of the Board of Education Tuesday night as they accepted her resignation. Marks will leave on Aug. 17 after serving two years.
“I take my time in Norwalk as a great learning experience,” she said. “There have been and will be many comments about my tenure in Norwalk. My wish is that you will remember my decency, humanity and professionalism.”
During the public comment portion of the meeting, some people said they believed Marks was being run out of the school district, however, she denied these claims.
“I wasn’t run out, this was my decision,” she said. “I have had a lot of support on this board, from teachers, from administrators from all staff and particularly from the community.”
Former board of education member Susan Hamilton began choking up as she thanked Marks for her work and commitment to Norwalk. She particularly thanked her for attending so many school events on weekends and for listening to parents and teachers.
“You are one of the most honest, compassionate women I have ever known. The energy and passion, which you put into your work, is contagious. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“You brought much needed change to Norwalk, and as you always say, change is hard,” said board member Sue Haynie. She credited Marks with improvements such as bringing in more than $1 million in grants, improving the school calendar and making sure administrators worked on snow days.
Marks said she was proud that she was able to spend so much time in classrooms, met with teachers and principals, attended school and PTO meetings and other activities. She said she tried to be professional and decent to everyone she interacted with.
“Our children watch the way us adults interact with each and I take this responsibility seriously,” she said. “People can disagree, but we can act in a decent manner as we work through our disagreements.”
The board will begin the process of looking for an interim superintendent next week.
Comments (3)
Absolutely, I saw her at every event, she attended our plays, our science fair, the All City Orchestra and Band events and was a visible part of our community who really wanted to do right by Norwalk, she just wasn't given the resources she needed. I appreciated how friendly and approachable she was as well. I wish her the best and thank her for the job she did. I hope the next candidate is respected and not treated as badly as I often saw Dr. Marks treated. I also hope we can bring someone in who can stand up to the negativity that festers in Norwalk and get it to stop.
I have to say that I attended few, if any, public events dealing either with violence, children's issues, or honoring our local veterans where Dr. Marks was not in attendance.
Have to say she is a 'show up' person and not of the publicity, photo op variety. She often sat in the back, and never sought recognition in the audience. She wasn't there because she had to be - she was there on her own precious time because she wanted to be.
Thanks for showing up, which is half the battle, Dr. Marks. Best in your future endeavors.
I agree. Genuine, caring person who simply wanted to do right by our kids and was buried in a political avalanche.