Superintendent Payzant to return to work

Elizabeth Reilinger, Ph.D., Chair of the Boston School Committee, announced today that Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant would return from medical leave tomorrow. As instructed by his doctor, Payzant will return on a reduced schedule, working several days each week for the next several weeks. His doctor is expected to allow Payzant to return to a full schedule by the end of the calendar year.

Reilinger and Mayor Thomas M. Menino had announced in August that Payzant was diagnosed with viral meningitis and mild viral encephalitis and that he was expected to return to his post in mid-October.

"Dr. Payzant's recovery has been remarkable," Reilinger said. "We look forward to having him back at the helm to continue his visionary work of education reform in the Boston Public Schools."

Mayor Menino added, "We are fortunate to have Tom Payzant back on the job of transforming Boston's schools. His leadership is crucial to improving teaching and learning throughout the system."

Payzant's physician, Dr. David Pilgrim, said, "I am pleased to report that Dr. Payzant has fully recovered and can return to work. It will take a little time for him to return to full strength following this illness. Therefore, I have advised him to limit his schedule." Pilgrim is a neurologist and Chief of Neurology for Harvard Vanguard, on staff at Brigham & Women's Hospital, on staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, and an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School.

On behalf of the School Committee, Reilinger thanked Chief Operating Officer Michael Contompasis, who has been serving as Acting Superintendent, for his "outstanding leadership." She also extended the Committee's thanks to all BPS staff for ensuring that schools stayed the course during Payzant's absence.

Payzant was named Superintendent of Boston's schools in 1995.