Norwich - A program audit at Thames River Academy alternative high school found that classes are frequently disrupted by disinterested and disrespectful students, that discipline is inconsistent and that students receive less than the required instructional time.

The state-mandated audit of programs, curriculum and school atmosphere, conducted by the Resiliency Foundation Inc., was highly critical of Principal Edward Derr's leadership and his control over discipline and daily activities at the school. The report also criticized the school district as a whole.

In the summary, provided Tuesday by Superintendent Abby Dolliver, the auditors said they found that "Thames River Academy is not seen as a safe and respectful environment," and that teachers complained that students are allowed to disrespect them.

The report cited a lack of consistency in student discipline and low morale among the faculty. Students routinely use electronic devices throughout the school day, disregarding policies restricting them, and "district laws regarding weapons and controlled substances are not followed with fidelity."

The report also said academic standards fall short of a plan designed by Derr for students to earn credits by doing community service or work experience. But currently no students are earning community service credits and only two are working, the report said.

Derr was put on administrative leave Feb. 16 for undisclosed reasons. Retired Fitch High School Principal Robert Bacewicz was named interim principal at the school with a student population of 79.

Dolliver said Tuesday she could not discuss Derr's situation or status and would not comment on whether the audit report led to her decision to place him on leave.

Parent Jerry Browning, chairman of the newly formed Thames River Academy School Governance Council, received the summary Tuesday. Browning, whose son is a junior at the school, called the report "accurate" based on his recent experience as a volunteer several times a week in the school. He said the report addressed many of the concerns he and other parents have raised - lack of central office attention to the school, the need for a social worker and better partnerships with businesses and community agencies.

Although he supported Derr, Browning said, at least a temporary change in leadership probably was necessary.

"Mr. Derr was a very nice man," Browning said. "They need a strong leader. I understand better why they made the decision that they made. My heart feels sad, but in the interests of my son, I have to put my personal feelings aside."

The report spread blame for Thames River Academy's situation, citing the lack of a full-time social worker and an in-school suspension room supervised only by the school secretary.

"Historically, TRA has been widely neglected by the Norwich District Central Office and Board of Education," the summary stated. "It appeared that the school was perceived as peripheral and not held to the same accountability standards as other district schools."

The Norwich Board of Education will receive the Resiliency Foundation's full report at a special public meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at Kelly Middle School. The snow date for the meeting is Thursday at 4 p.m.

Dolliver distributed the summary to the dozen TRA staff members Tuesday and met with them during the afternoon to enact immediate changes based on the report. Dolliver said addressing school safety and climate are "critical," including insisting on student respect for staff. She said officials are working to bring a larger police presence to the school.

A "floater" teacher will work more at the academy to help with instruction and in-school suspensions. Changes also will be put in place to standardize report cards, transcripts and other records - previously hand-written by Derr.

c.bessette@theday.com

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Meeting where the Norwich Board of Education receives the full 60-page audit of Thames River Academy

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. today

WHERE: Kelly Middle School

SNOW DATE: 4 p.m. Thursday at Kelly Middle School