Feb. 11 -- The Ridgefield Board of Education tonight unanimously approved Dr. Ralph Wallace as the new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Wallace, currently the Superintendent in Cheshire, has become somewhat notorious in Connecticut for his widely-quoted statements against affirmative action in school hiring. Always stressing his belief in hiring based solely on "excellence," Wallace's controversial statements have caused some in Ridgefield to question whether he suffers from "foot-in-mouth disease." (Left: Dr. Ralph Wallace, Ridgefield's new Superintendent of Schools)
In what may become a familiar scene, Dr. Ralph Wallace (right) explains to reporters his views on diversity. Here, Kathy-Ann Gobin (center, facing camera) of the Danbury News-Times asks about his widely-quoted declarations against affirmative action.
Adding to the controversy was the school board's seeming undue haste in rushing through final approval, barely 24 hours after the only public appearance of Dr. Wallace in Ridgefield, and that before a small, pre-selected "focus group" of townspeople. 
Board member Mary Pat Devine, arguing to postpone the final vote until more Ridgefielders had a chance to get to know the candidate, stated "...[by our hasty action]...We are clearly giving the impression that he is some kind of embarassment that needs to be hidden from public scrutiny and discussion. He is not. And he deserves better from us." The move to postpone final consideration was rejected by a 6-2 vote early in tonight's Board meeting. (Right:Board Chairman Linda Bunyan announces the vote result)
Based on Wallace's controversial record in Cheshire, where he currently serves as Superintendent of Schools, Board member Devine said: "We are asking our town to accept living with the possible displeasure and heavy scrutiny of the state commissioner of education, of civil rights organizations, of the state association of school superintendents, of teachers' unions and local diversity advocates." (Left: Selectman Barbara Manners with Dr. Wallace)
Prior to tonight's school board meeting, a press conference with Dr. Wallace was held. The conference was attended by approximately 6 reporters, five BOE members and people from the general public. Dr. Wallace responded for approximately 25 minutes to a series of questions which focused primarily on his position concerning diversity and the reasons why he is choosing to come to Ridgefield.
School board members who have gotten to know Wallace during their month-long search process are enthusiastic about his qualifications and the approach he brings to the job. Many say privately that he is just the sort of "take charge" superintendent who will run the schools while the Board of Education does its real job of setting educational policy. There is widespread sentiment that in recent years the Board has neglected policy to focus on involvement in day-to-day administrative matters. (Right: Bob Opotzner reiterates his support for Dr. Wallace)
Many who have followed this process fervently hope that Dr. Wallace will be such an effective leader that the town will willingly abide the public spotlight on Ridgefield that his previous controversial record will attract.
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