The funding to reinstate one elementary school principal position is still in question said Superintendent William Papallo at last night's Board of Education (8/18/09) meeting.
State officials have not gotten back to Dr. Papallo yet regarding the possibility of obtaining a grant to transport Norwalk students to Abbott Technical School in Danbury, a requirement by law. Dr. Papallo was planning to obtain the bulk of funds ($133K) to reinstate the Assistant Principal and a Human Resource Assistant position from the money the district is saving as a result of not having to transport students to Wright Technical School which was closed down by the State this summer. Wright Tech students now have the option of attending Abbott Tech in Danbury which is 24 miles away.
"I have no answer back (from the state). I'm not optimistic," said Dr. Papallo. "The money is in limbo and I can't make the recommendation to reinstate the position this evening."
However, even if the district does not receive a state grant for transportation, Dr. Papallo said he will find other funds to reinstate the positions, most likely from staff vacancies.
"We should know in the next couple of days whether we can get money from the state or through staff vacancies and turnover" said Dr. Papallo
Dr. Papallo said he hopes to have full time Assistant Principals in place at 10 of the 12 elementary schools by the start of school--no decision about which schools has been made yet. He also stated he would like to reinstate full time Assistant Principals at all the elementary schools if stimulus funds become available later this year.
In addition to the Assistant Prinicipal position, Dr. Papallo suggested reinstating the position of the Human Resources Assistant. He said that it was a "critical" position. The Board, however, was not convinced and wanted more details about the reallocation of the HR assistant's job responsibilities.
Board Member Amy Jimenez said she is more inclined see the Dean of Students positions prioritzed over the HR assistant position. The decision on whether to extend the contract for the current HR assistant will be made at the Sept. 1st BOE meeting.
Tony Ditrio, principal at Kendall Elementary School, made a plea during the public comment section of the meeting for Elementary School Aides. He stated that as a result of the recent budget cuts every elementary school was required to eliminate a 27.5 hour aide position. He said that some schools did not have such an aide and had to eliminate the utility aide leaving only one person in the main office. In his school, he may have to eliminate a kindergarten aide. He suggested that any stimulus money that the district receives be distributed to the schools to possibly reinstate aide positions.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Hooray for Mr. Ditrio! Finally a Principal who recognizes the need and importance the aides play in the schools. And for little money compared to many other positions that in my opinion dollars are wasted. Does anyone realize that all of those big paying jobs like Vice Principal and Literacy Specialists the people DON'T want to be in the classroom anymore and are quick to admit it! We need aides in the classroom instead of overpaid employees on the computer all day.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it has been a pattern for years in Norwalk, the Board of Education is once again neglecting true student needs in favor of more administration.
ReplyDeleteThe loss of the elementary school aides will be detrimental to all students-- although it is appalling that they were cut from the original budget of over $153 Million, it is unfair to our youngest children that there seems to be no consideration given to reinstating them now.
Someone needs to take a look at the number of children, particularly 1st graders who are retained. Put aides back full time in kindergarten and first grade and no doubt the children will benefit, the teachers will benefit and the parents will benefit. Visit the classroom and witness those scared little faces on some of those children who are pushed way too soon to grow up too quickly. To hell with the reading level numbers, let the kids be kids and learn the old fashioned way with some fun built in. Centers, activities and an aide there to help in every way.
ReplyDelete