New Deputy Superintendent Named For Norwalk Public Schools

NORWALK, CT — During a special meeting Wednesday, the Board of Education approved the appointment of Sandra Faioes, the district's assistant superintendent for business and operations, as the new deputy superintendent for Norwalk Public Schools.

According to a news release provided by the district, Faioes will report directly to Superintendent Alexandra Estrella.

"Sandra Faioes has served Norwalk Public Schools proudly for over a decade and thoroughly understands the needs and priorities of this district," Estrella said in a news release. "Since my arrival in 2020, I have trusted Ms. Faioes to share her exceptional insights and to bring greater context to the issues impacting our district. I have the utmost confidence in her abilities and look forward to working closely with her as the district prepares to update our strategic plan."

Faioes succeeds Thomas McBryde, who was recently appointed as the new superintendent of Hackensack Public Schools in Hackensack, N.J.

Faioes will continue to oversee the district's facilities and operations departments in addition to her new responsibilities, district officials said.

"I am incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this community for more than ten years and I'm privileged to continue serving the district as your new deputy superintendent," Faioes said in a news release. "While education has the potential to be an equalizer, it's important to acknowledge that not all education systems are created equal. Luckily here in Norwalk, we have a superintendent dedicated to putting students at the center of our work, a Board of Education equally dedicated to that mission, and an unmatched commitment from our city."

Faioes joined Norwalk Public Schools in 2013 after starting her career in education in the Boston Public Schools system. In Boston, she was a high school teacher for English, humanities and English as a second language.

Faioes began her work in Norwalk as an instructional coach and reading specialist at the Richard C. Briggs High School for two years. She then became assistant principal and later principal of Brookside Elementary School for four years, increasing the school’s performance from a Category 3 school to a Category 2 by improving reading math scores as measured by the Next Generation Accountability System, according to district officials.

Faioes was named the Director of School Improvement in 2019, evaluating all school principals and collaborating with them to create school improvement plans. She also played an integral role in the reopening of schools during the pandemic, designing, writing and implementing the health and safety protocols for summer and fall 2020 classes, district officials said.

In 2020, Estrella named Faioes as the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations where she has led the strategic management of all facilities and grounds, transportation, food services, health services, grants, athletics, school safety and partnerships with local law enforcement.

"Our work would not be successful without the support from our community," Faioes said in a news release, "and I thank you all for your commitment to our students and our schools. I look forward to working with Dr. Estrella and this incredible district to bring our students the best educational experience."