Education Board United On Referendum Vote

In the early part of Tuesday's Board of Education meeting at the Municipal Center, chairman Lillian Bittman asked fellow members about the upcoming budget referendum, and whether anyone planned on advocating a "no" vote as some had prior to the last referendum.

After a brief silence, Lillian said she wanted the record to note there were no board members calling for a "no" vote.

But that was not enough to satisfy some Newtown residents in attendance who wanted board members to elaborate on their positions.

When public participation opened toward the end of the meeting, Kinga Walsh asked the Board of Education to put out a memo advocating a "yes" vote. Another Newtown resident said "the people need the truth " and asked that a poll be taken of the members. A third resident said he agreed, and the board just needed to put "more meat" behind their position on the referendum.

In response, board member David Nanavaty said he advocated for a "yes" vote.  The Legislative Council voting to restore $200,000 showed support for education and the referendum needs to pass so the town can move on, he said.

During the last two failed referendums, Nanavaty and others had called on education supporters to vote "no," saying that the council needed to be pressured into restoring money to the schools budget.

Earlier in the process, the Board of Finance had recommended, and the council had approved, removing $2.5 million from next year's education budget request.

After the first referendum failed, the council then reduced the town side of the budget request by $500,000 at First Selectman Pat Llodra's recommendation and left the education portion untouched.

While some believed the budget request was adequate and the school district had enough opportunities to find savings in areas, such as insurance cost reductions, to make up the difference, others believed the savings were not enough, and that many teachers were going to have to be laid off in order to meet the budget.

After the second referendum failed, the council agreed to restore the $200,000 to the education budget request. Newtown residents head to the polls Tuesday to vote a third time.

Board member Bill Hart, who advocated a "no" vote prior to the second referendum, said he would call for a "yes" vote, echoing Nanavaty's  comments.

Board member Chris Lagana said he had previously advocated a "yes" vote and still maintained that position.

When board member Debbie Leidlein spoke, she did not indicate whether she would advocate for a "yes" vote like she did prior to the second referendum, but instead said, "I still believe we can find savings so we do not have to make any teacher cuts." 

Kathy Fetchick followed by saying she had advocated for a "yes" vote both times and believed that even with the $2.5 million cut, budget savings could have been found in other areas so that teachers would not have to be cut.

Bittman, the chairman, said she was surprised money had been added back and now everyone needed to vote "yes" and move on.

In other education board business, Chartwells, the school district's food service provider, came to discuss some of its programs to promote healthy eating, as well as to talk about its financial position relative to the district.

The company said it has not yet made a profit. While representatives are looking at ways to reduce costs such as cutting labor hours they said they still believe it necessary to raise prices just to try to break even.

Initially they said they were asking for $.25 increase across the board.  But because their proposal was not in writing and the financial information they presented was found to be confusing by some board members, representatives were asked for more detailed information and a written proposal before the next board meeting.

Also discussed was a proposal by Superintendent Janet Robinson to have early dismissal one day each month to facilitate professional learning communities. Robinson said she believed it was a great way to further collaboration and learning among teachers at no cost to the district.

That topic was ultimately tabled until the next meeting. Several board members said they believed it was important to know the budget number before making any decisions. 

Submitted by Carla Kron