No Decision Yet On Superintendent Paul Kadri

The Groton Board of Education ended an executive session Monday without making a decision about the investigation of Superintendent Paul Kadri or the extension of Interim Superintendent Randall Collins’ contract.

Kadri was though the board has not discussed details.

That investigation is complete but has not been released to the board, so it is not a public document. Floyd Dugas, the lawyer for the school board, has been speaking to Kadri’s attorney, board members have said.

School Board Chairwoman Kirsten Hoyt said Monday she could not comment on what was discussed in executive session. In response to a question, she said it’s not safe to say a decision won’t be made before school begins.

“It’s not safe to say that because I don’t know that,” she said.

Collins, the former superintendent in Waterford, was hired in May to run the Groton school system in the interim. His contract ends Aug. 31.

Part of the school board discussion Monday focused on leaks to the media about confidential information.

The New London Day reported last month that Dugas warned board members in an e-mail that Kadri might try to retaliate or seek a large settlement once the investigative report becomes public.

“I strongly suspect that once the report becomes public Paul will … sue the board and look for a large settlement to reflect the fat that he will have difficulty finding work. I also think he is more likely to engage in retaliation against certain witnesses,” the paper quoted the e-mail as saying.

Board Member Chaz Zezulka said he wanted to “censure” the board member who leaked the information; he said he wouldn't name the person because he didn’t have proof.

A censure is a public reprimand by the board.

“I will not vote to go into executive session,” Zezulka said.  “I’m never going to vote again while I sit on this board because one person has destroyed this trust.”