Norwich Board appoints Susan Lessard superintendent, pending state approval

The Norwich Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint acting Superintendent Susan Lessard as superintendent of Norwich Public Schools effective March 11, 2025, through June 30, 2027, subject to approval by the Connecticut commissioner of education and Miss Lessard’s agreement to the proposed employment contract.

Board Chair John (board member) said the board’s superintendent search committee, consisting of the full board, reviewed the candidate and sought input from teacher and administrator unions and community members before bringing the recommendation to the full board. John formally moved the appointment “in accordance with section 10‑157 of the Connecticut General Statutes,” specifying the two conditions: state commissioner approval and Lessard’s agreement to the contract terms. The motion authorized the board chair to finalize and execute the employment contract on the board’s behalf.

The move followed a period in which Lessard had served as acting superintendent. John said the board had worked closely with her for the past year and a half and praised her “vision to lead us into the future.” After a roll‑call vote the board recorded all affirmative votes; the appointment was declared unanimous.

Why it matters: the appointment formalizes leadership that has been in place in an acting capacity and transfers hiring authority for the district’s executive role from a temporary to a contracted basis, subject to the commissioner’s review required under state law. The board’s action also authorizes a final contract signature by the board chair once state approval and contract agreement are secured.

What the motion says: the motion, read into the record by John, explicitly referenced Connecticut General Statutes section 10‑157 and included two conditions for the appointment: (1) approval by the commissioner of education under that statute and (2) Lessard’s agreement to the terms and conditions in the proposed contract of employment.

Discussion vs. decision: the board’s public remarks before the vote focused on the selection process and past performance while the vote itself constituted the formal decision, contingent on the two stated conditions.

Next steps: the chair was authorized to finalize and execute the contract on the board’s behalf after the commissioner’s approval and Lessard’s acceptance of contract terms. The board paused afterward to take photos with award winners and the newly appointed superintendent.