Norwich school business administrator resigns after being placed on leave
Norwich — Longtime school Business Administrator Athena Nagel resigned abruptly last week, citing medical and family reasons, after she had been placed on paid administrative leave.
Superintendent Kristen Stringfellow placed Nagel on paid leave on Jan. 26, “due to an allegation and subsequent investigation,” she wrote in a letter to Nagel dated Jan. 29. The letter did not indicate the nature of the allegation, and Stringfellow declined to comment on it, calling it a personnel matter.
Nagel, who has served as Norwich school business administrator since 2008, informed Stringfellow in an email on Jan. 26 that she was resigning effective Feb. 28 and would use remaining vacation time starting Feb. 1. She cited personal health issues and the need to care for family members.
Nagel amended those plans in a Feb.1 email, in response to a request from Stringfellow, making her resignation effective Jan. 31 so the district could “promptly post for a replacement.”
The Day received copies of the correspondence in response to a Freedom of Information Act request Monday for documents pertaining to Nagel’s sudden departure. The letters and emails provided did not explain the nature of the allegation and investigation.
Nagel could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Stringfellow said Tuesday she posted the position on Jan. 29 and hopes to interview candidates and appoint a successor by March 1.
Nagel’s departure comes as the school district is finalizing its proposed 2021-22 budget to the Board of Education, which annually votes on a proposed budget in March to submit to the city manager.
Nagel attended the Jan. 12 Board of Education meeting and provided a routine report updating the board on financial matters, the food services budget and various building conditions and repairs.
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