Norwalk Board Of Education Appoints Interim Superintendent

NORWALK, CT — The Board of Education appointed Sandra Faioes as interim superintendent for Norwalk Public Schools on Thursday, the district announced.

According to a news release provided by the district, Faioes has served as the district's deputy superintendent since December 2023 and will begin her new position July 1.

The appointment comes after the board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Alexandra Estrella, who will depart her position at the end of the 2025-26 school year, according to the district.

Estrella announced in March she would leave her current position at the end of the school year after accepting a new position in Georgia.

According to the district, Faioes has served as a member of the superintendent's cabinet since 2020, integrally involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, progress monitoring, community relations and communication with the Board of Education.

During that time, Norwalk Public Schools "has consistently surpassed all other Connecticut city districts in literacy, math and science performance, as well as surpassing the state average in the reduction of absenteeism and graduation rates," the release reads.

As deputy superintendent, and previously as assistant superintendent for business and operations, she has "dramatically improved the efficiencies in student data management, transportation, school nutrition program, school safety readiness and infrastructure across the district," according to Norwalk Public Schools.

"Her strong financial leadership extends from fiscal management of facilities to major school construction and renovation projects, most notably the $225 million Norwalk High School and P-TECH Norwalk building," the release reads.

Faioes joined Norwalk Public Schools in 2013 and worked at the Richard C. Briggs High School for two years, during which time she served as a curriculum and instruction site director, instructional coach and reading specialist.

She then became assistant principal, and later principal, of Brookside Elementary School for four years, according to the district.

Faioes was named the director of school improvement in 2019, evaluating all school principals and collaborating with them to create school improvement plans aligned to district priorities, according to the district.

She also played an integral role in the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, designing, writing and implementing the health and safety protocols for summer and fall 2020 classes, according to the district.

"Her accomplishments included writing, securing and managing nearly $30 million in grants, including entitlement grants, CARES Act grants, and several competitive grants," the release reads.

Estrella named Faioes as assistant superintendent of business and operations in 2020, 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, according to the district.

She also previously worked in the Boston Public Schools system, where she held a number of key roles, according to the district.

Faioes began her career in education as a teacher in Boston Public Schools and worked as the lead teacher and testing coordinator for High Tech High Media Arts in San Diego, district officials noted.