Parents press Norwalk board for investigation after multiple allegations against Silvermine principal

Dozens of parents used the board’s public-comment period to demand accountability for leadership at Silvermine Elementary, alleging a pattern of staffing problems, inconsistent background-check enforcement, and incidents they say harmed students and staff.

At least a half-dozen speakers named problems at Silvermine and asked the board to act. Diana DiGiovanna, who identified herself as a parent, said photos and conference materials show the principal presented at the National Association for Bilingual Education conference in Chicago from Feb. 11–13 while the district had communicated the principal was on medical leave; DiGiovanna said the district confirmed the principal’s travel and that the trip cost $2,691.46 for airfare, hotel and registration."This reflects a serious inconsistency in expectations and raises concerns about the management of public funds," DiGiovanna said.

Several speakers described declines in the school’s bilingual program and high staff turnover. Karina Malik said students’ Spanish instructional time has been reduced and some new staff lack dual-language training; she said the program "no longer reflects a true bilingual model." Zena King said parents had repeatedly asked for assessments of students' Spanish proficiency and that promised changes had not materialized.

Multiple parents and at least one speaker reading an HR report alleged personnel misconduct. Daisy Sebastian read from an HR report claiming that on Jan. 27, 2023, a teacher was forced face-down across the principal’s lap and spanked; the HR account presented to the board reportedly substantiated the teacher’s account but, Sebastian said, no discipline was taken and the principal remained employed. "We demand that a principal who has been substantiated by your HR department be removed immediately from our district," Sebastian told the board.

Jess Hopkins, who said she volunteers at Silvermine and is a district employee, criticized inconsistent enforcement of volunteer background checks and asked for a public investigation and that results be shared with the Silvermine community no later than May 1. "Parents should never have to wonder whether safety rules depend on who you are," Hopkins said.

Several commenters credited interim leadership with recent improvements. Sajid Gore praised the interim principal’s return of some intervention programs and clearer communication, but said the board and superintendent should conduct a "formal transparent assessment of previous leadership," including an academic review and examination of school climate.

Superintendent Alexandra Estrella and board members did not announce formal action in response to the public comments during the meeting. The board moved to an executive session later in the agenda; the public record at this meeting does not show a follow-up vote or an announced personnel outcome related to the allegations.

The board chair and superintendent acknowledged the public comments during meeting transitions and continued with scheduled agenda items. Parents asked for specific next steps: a public investigation, transparency about reimbursements and travel funding, and timely publication of any findings. The meeting record shows multiple requests for an investigation and for the board to ensure consistent enforcement of background checks and district policies.

What happens next: speakers requested public transparency and specific timelines (for example, Jess Hopkins requested results by May 1). The board did not record a direct vote on removal or discipline at this session; the meeting moved into executive session later in the evening. The public comments and the written HR material presented by speakers are part of the meeting record and were placed into the public-comment portion of the board minutes.