Board backs contract for interim superintendent

0
80

James Connelly, a former superintendent of schools in Bridgeport, will serve as interim superintendent in Naugatuck. –RA ARCHIVE
James Connelly, a former superintendent of schools in Bridgeport, will serve as interim superintendent in Naugatuck. –RA ARCHIVE

NAUGATUCK — The Board of Education approved a contract for interim Superintendent of Schools James Connelly during a special meeting Monday night.

Connelly, 72, of Shelton, was appointed as the interim superintendent during the regular board meeting on Sept. 12, but there was no contract in place at the time.

Human Resources Director John Lawlor said Tuesday he expects Connelly to sign the contract within a couple of days.

Under the contract, which runs from Sept. 30 to June 30, 2014, Connelly will be paid $625 a day, which will be broken up in salary and a contribution to his annuity, Lawlor said. The contract allows Connelly to accrue one sick day per month and makes him eligible for all the same paid holidays as the rest of the central office staff. However, the district will provide no health benefits under the deal, Lawlor said.

Connelly’s can be terminated early if the board finds a permanent superintendent before June 30, 2014.

Connelly replaces former Superintendent of Schools John Tindall-Gibson, who retired this month. Connelly has previously served as the superintendent in Bridgeport and has worked as an interim superintendent in six other school districts, including twice in Region 16.

“The board feels he is highly qualified and very well respected throughout state. We are fortunate to have his knowledge and wisdom,” Board of Education Chairman David Heller said.

Heller has previously said the board will begin its search for a permanent superintendent after the November elections.