Payzant recuperating from viral infection

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston School Committee chair Dr. Elizabeth Reilinger and Dr. David Pilgrim, neurologist for Boston Public Schools Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant, today announced that Supt. Payzant is under doctor's care and is recuperating from viral meningitis and mild viral encephalitis, which he contracted this summer. Both viruses are non-contagious.

Payzant is not expected to return to work until after the beginning of the school year. During his recuperation, BPS Chief Operating Officer Michael Contompasis will serve as acting superintendent.

Payzant, 60, was diagnosed with the viruses after experiencing chronic and progressively worsening headaches and other flu-like symptoms. He underwent thorough testing and treatment at Brigham and Women's Hospital in mid-July. He is recuperating while on a planned vacation with his family in Oregon.

Dr. Pilgrim anticipates a full recovery after an extended recuperative period.

Mayor Menino said, "Our most important priority is the health of our superintendent, Tom Payzant. I have been assured by Dr. Pilgrim that with rest, Tom should be fine. I have also been encouraged by my conversations with Tom - most recently, yesterday. He appears to be getting stronger every day and is looking forward to coming back to work in the near future - to do what he does best: focus on teaching and learning."

Dr. Reilinger added, "For the past five years, Tom Payzant has devoted himself to leading the ambitious and challenging education reform effort in Boston. At this time, we are eager for Tom to follow his doctor's orders of an extended recuperative period."

Reilinger continued, "We are fortunate to have during the interim the capable leadership of Acting Superintendent Mike Contompasis. It is important that we join together to support him as he continues the course of education reform which is in place. I know that I speak on behalf of many people who wish Tom Payzant a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to provide the critical leadership for improving teaching and learning in the Boston Public Schools."

Payzant was named superintendent of Boston's schools in 1995. He appointed Contompasis chief operating officer in 1998, with oversight of human resources, operations, finance and budget issues, capital planning, development, information systems, and employee and labor relations. Previously, Contompasis was headmaster at Boston Latin School for 22 years.

Dr. David Pilgrim is a neurologist and Chief of Neurology for Harvard Vanguard, on staff at Brigham and Women's Hospital, on staff at Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital, and an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School.

Contact: Office of Communications (617) 635-9265, Mayor's Press Office (617) 635-4461