Parents urge Norwalk principal’s return after 2 months

NORWALK — Some community members are calling for the return of Concord Magnet School Principal Medard Thomas, who has been out on paid leave for over two months.

Thomas, who has been the school’s principal since summer 2015, is on leave for a “personnel matter,” according to a Dec. 8 statement from Norwalk Public Schools.

“The district can confirm that Principal Thomas is on leave with pay and without prejudice pending consideration of a personnel matter,” the statement said. “As you know, we consider personnel matters to be confidential and we have no further comment at this time regarding the nature of the personnel matter or the length of his leave. However, we are working promptly to resolve the matter.”

In a notice to parents in late 2023, Superintendent of Schools Alexandra Estrella said Thomas was “placed on administrative leave without prejudice.”

“I take this opportunity to clarify that Mr. Thomas has not been terminated or disciplined in any way by Norwalk Public Schools, and that his leave is consistent with our practices in personnel matters,” Estrella said.

Thomas’s leave began on Nov. 29. NPS sent a notice to parents informing them of his leave.

The district’s media relations specialist, Emily Morgan, said Thursday that the district still declines to comment on the personnel matter.

In Thomas’ absence, some parents have offered support. A petition to “Bring Mr. T back to CMS” posted on the Norwalk Education Today & Tomorrow on Dec. 29 had garnered 218 signatures as of Thursday afternoon.

Lillian Cenatiempo, a parent of twin sons in second grade at Concord Magnet School, said the “school is suffering” without Thomas.

“He is a wonderful man who brings joy to our CMS community just by being present,” she said over Facebook messages. “My kids miss him. They have a wonderful relationship with Medard Thomas.”

Cenatiempo, who has lived in Norwalk for 12 years, said the CMS community is “hurt without him.”

“I will support our amazing principal in any way I possibly can,” she said. “He is truly wonderful and deserves nothing less.”

Another parent, Amanda Harrison, shared similar sentiments over Facebook messages. Harrison said Thomas was “amazing with the transition to all the kids when he took over.”

Her son, now a junior at Brien McMahon High School, was in elementary school when Thomas assumed his duties as Concord’s principal.

“Also (he) made the parents feel so warm and loved and we knew that our kids were nothing but safe when they were in the building with him,” Harrison said.

Assistant Principal Hennifer Scanlan has been serving as interim principal at Concord Magnet School since Thomas’ leave began, Morgan said in December.

Before coming to Norwalk Public Schools, Thomas held several school administration positions across Bridgeport, Greenwich and New York over 20 years.