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Marks' Contract Ready For Approval

Incoming Superintendent Susan F. Marks' contract with the Norwalk Public Schools will make her one of Norwalk’s highest paid public officials.  NPS released a copy of an unsigned contract Friday afternoon in the packet of information Board Of Education members receive before every meeting.

Marks’ 3-year contract says that she will earn $200,000 in her first year. It also calls for a $30,000 annuity. For subsequent years Marks’ salary will be based on the outcome of an annual evaluation that assesses her personal performance and district goals. Marks, who currently resides in Rockville, Maryland, will be reimbursed for “reasonable expenses” she incurs for moving to Norwalk and will also receive $8,000 for moving expenses spread over four months. Marks is slated to begin her new job  July 1.

Norwalk’s last fulltime Superintendent Sal Corda made a base salary of almost $185,000 in 2008, his last full year here. This does not include annuities. Unlike Corda or the interim superintendents who filled in this year,Marks  won't receive a car allowance.

The new contract specifies that each year the BOE and Marks will try to meet by August 1, to discuss district goals and objectives for the upcoming school year, and will have these finalized no later than August 31 . These goals and objectives will include: a) student performance as measured by test scores; b) curriculum development in accordance with state standards; c) teacher and administrator contributions; d) the effective use of non-certified personnel; e) administrative and financial management of the school system; and f) parental and community relations.

To conduct her yearly evaluation the BOE and Marks will jointly develop a system that grades her on how effectively she achieves the above goals. It will also take into account her communication and working relationship with the BOE, district personnel, and the overall community. Marks’ leadership and the quality of educational programs that she initiates during the school year will also be evaluated..

The agreement between Marks and the BOE is subject to Marks’ credentials being certified by the state Department of Education or her obtaining a waiver by the Commissioner of Education. The agreement also has to be approved by the BOE, which at this point seems like a formality.

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