Diaz Record in Bridgeport Nothing to Brag About

Ed board scrutinizes Salcedo record
SUSAN SILVERS - Connecticut Post

BRIDGEPORT - A list of 21 out of 25 elementary schools failing federal standards. A lower percentage of students passing mastery tests. Higher percentages of high school students dropping out. In raw numbers, at least, the record compiled by Supt. of Schools Sonia Diaz Salcedo during her first three years as the city's education chief would not appear to be anything to brag about. Now the Board of Education is considering whether things on Salcedo's watch should have improved by now, or at least whether the pieces to do so are in place. Board President Joan K. Nobriga said she expects the board to finish Salcedo's evaluation for the past year within the next few weeks. Traditionally, such evaluations also consider contract extensions and raises. At present, Salcedo's contract runs through June 30, 2005, and she is paid $164,160 annually by far the largest salary on Bridgeport's public payroll.