Principal To Return To Position At Norwalk Magnet School: District

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk school principal is set to return to his position this week after being placed on paid administrative leave late last year, according to district officials.

In a joint statement sent to Patch by Norwalk Public Schools and the Norwalk Association of School Administrators, Superintendent Alexandra Estrella said Medard Thomas will return to his position as principal of Concord Magnet School on Thursday.

District officials also confirmed Thomas was placed on paid administrative leave without prejudice on Nov. 29.

"The team will work with Mr. Thomas to ensure a smooth transition," the statement reads.

District officials declined to provide a reason for Thomas having been placed on leave for nearly four months due to it being a personnel matter.

News 12 Connecticut reports a rally to protest Thomas' absence was held by students and parents in February.

A petition started on change.org that called for Thomas to be returned to his position at the school also garnered over 250 supporters as of Tuesday morning.

In the description of her petition, Lindsay Armstrong said Thomas was placed on administrative leave in November "with no word from the Board of Education or central office on the timeline of when this situation will be coming to a resolution."

Armstrong also referred to Thomas, best known as "Mr. T" by CMS families and students, as the backbone of the school.

"Our families, especially our kids, have been devastated by Mr. T's absence," the petition reads, "and would be utterly crushed if he does not return...so much of what makes our school special is because of Mr. T."