Norwich school board names Lessard as superintendent
Norwich — The school board on Tuesday appointed Susan Lessard, the acting schools' superintendent, to take over the position permanently.
Lessard, who has spent more than 25 years in education, started working here in 2017, as the principal of John B. Stanton Elementary School. Before that, she worked as an assistant principal in the Cheshire school system. Earlier in her career, she worked as an elementary school teacher in East Lyme, and also as a consultant for schools in Brooklyn and the Bronx, N.Y.
In September 2023 the school board appointed Lessard to the role of acting superintendent, as it placed former Superintendent of Schools Kristen Stringfellow on paid leave amid an investigation into alleged misconduct by her and Assistant Superintendent Tamara Gloster. The investigation resulted from complaints that the two had fostered a hostile work environment. Stringfellow resigned Jan. 1 and Gloster on Jan. 31.
In an email Tuesday, Lessard said she was humbled and honored to assume the role of superintendent and remains committed to working collaboratively with the district's students, families, staff, and community to foster growth and progress.
According to a Tuesday afternoon release from the school board, Lessard has become a trusted leader within the district.
When she was named acting superintendent in September 2023, she had said her goal would be to ensure a smooth transition, and to help students and their families, along with faculty and staff, move forward. At that meeting, parents and staff had greeted her with hugs.
At the annual convocation at the start of the 2024-25 school year, she received a standing ovation from staff.
Lessard, an Old Lyme resident, has a bachelor of arts degree from Western Connecticut State University, a master's in education from Eastern Connecticut State University, a Certificate in Administration from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Superintendent Certificate from Sacred Heart University.
She is also a U.S. Army Gulf War veteran.
At Tuesday's school board meeting Chairman Mark Kulos said the superintendent search committee, which consisted of the entire board, considered 'really only one candidate.'
It was Lessard.
'We reviewed her background and asked both the teachers' and administrators' unions to give their input, and also input from community members,' Kulos said. 'Everyone was very happy with her, and I'll say the board, over the past year and a half of working with her very closely, we're very happy with the job that she has done. And we think she has the vision to lead us into the future.'
At the meeting the board officially appointed Lessard by unanimous vote of six members, with board member Christine Distasio absent.
'Thank you for leading us through a very challenging time,' added board member Heather Fowler.
Then, a full audience of school families and staff gave Lessard a standing ovation.
One of the applauders, Susan Blinderman, a kindergarten teacher at Thomas W. Mahan Elementary School who has worked in the schools for 35 years, called Lessard 'a great community leader' who is open to collaboration.
'She inherited a tough situation,' Blinderman added. 'She's totally changed the climate of the Norwich Public Schools in a very short time.'
d.drainville@theday.com
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