Superintendent Dr. Schwartz announced the appointment of Juan Mendoza as deputy superintendent and invited him to address the board. Mendoza, a Waterbury native who has served as assistant superintendent overseeing human capital and as interim human-resources director during the pandemic, thanked the mayor, the board and his family. “I’m honored for this opportunity to continue to serve the Waterbury public schools,” he said.

Separately, the board moved and voted to approve the appointment of Nicole Rivers as supervisor of special education effective upon contract signature. Dr. Schwartz introduced Rivers’ background: eight years as a special-education teacher in multiple districts, a doctorate in educational leadership and experience as an ESY administrator and testing coordinator. Rivers addressed the board, saying she was “passionate about giving back to a community that shaped me as an educator.” The motion to appoint Rivers carried in a roll-call vote recorded during the special meeting.