You might think that kids and teachers would be bummed out to be in school on what was supposed to be a vacation day. Not at Brookside Elementary school. Fifth graders Agron Gemajli and Zayda Aguilera said they were “very happy” to be in class on Tuesday afternoon.
“I need more education so I can get a job,” Agron said. Zayda wanted to be with her classmates. “I like to see my friends.” Both students agreed that the make-up day seemed like a “regular day.”
Norwalk Public schools scheduled three make up days this week during what was supposed to be a weeklong February vacation. Principal David Hay said that the school was running smoothly, but more teachers and students than usual were absent.Out of Brookside's 500 students, 48 were not in school. Typically, approximately 20 students and 2 teachers are absent.
On Tuesday, seven teachers out of 35 were out and five of the absent were classroom teachers. Hay says substitutes and intern were lined up in advance for the classes. Hay boasted that all of Brookside’s aides were in school that day.
Initially, Hay was concerned about having enough nurses, bus drivers and cafeteria workers. “It takes a lot more than teachers to run a school.” The district provided coverage for all the necessary services, Hay said.
Third grade teacher Tracey Sutton said her day felt different because four of her students were absent. “It’s nice to have a smaller class size. It’s a little quieter, so I’m trying some different activities with them,” Sutton said. She had the boys in her class play the girls in a test prep game.
Sutton thought the three day make-up schedule was a “great compromise.” “I don’t mind being here. I’d rather have the break in April after this winter and after the CMTs.”
I've contacted the Central Office about district-wide substitutes and student abstentees. Did you notice a difference in your school during the make-up days?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Despite Pleas, Council Holds Cap
The Common Council stuck to its initial spending plan for the city, leaving the Board of Education budget at 2.4 percent. At Tuesday evening's meeting, the Council voted 10-4 along party lines, Republicans in favor, to set total city spending at $287 million, a 2.64 percent increase of the total city budget resulting in a 2 percent increase of city property taxes.
For the second time in less than a week, Norwalk residents came out in large number to advocate for raising the city spending cap . Tuesday’s crowd, however, was only half the size of last Thursday’s Finance committee meeting where more than 700 people filled Norwalk High's auditorium. Unlike last week, at this meeting several people spoke in favor of not increasing taxes or BOE spending. “We need to keep any tax increase to a minimum,” said Andrea Light who spoke about her underemployed neighbor, retirees and people who have lost their homes to foreclosures. “It’s tough enough getting by, let’s not add salt to their wounds.”
Republican Council Chair Rick McQuaid who voted against raising the cap said he was personally affected by the proposed BOE cuts more than most people. His job as an intervention aide at Naramake is on the chopping block. He reminded the audience that a small increase is better than no increase. “We began at a 0 percent increase. It was a tough battle to 2.6 percent.”
Republican council members said they had promised voters to keep taxes low. “My commitment is to low taxes,” said Council member Kelly Straniti who expressed concern about new state taxes proposed by Gov. Malloy. “It all adds up.” Council members also repeated their call to BOE unions to take wage and step freezes.
The Council’s four Democrats emphasized that spending on education was an investment. Before the Republicans voted on their plan, Council member Nora King had offered a resolution to raise the cap to allow for a BOE budget increase of 3.7 percent, instead of the 2.4 percent. “This would give our new superintendent more of a playing field to her vision.” Council member Laurel Lindstrom called the resolution “a compromise” that would add $50 a year to an average tax payers bill.
During public comments, parents, BOE members, union leaders, school principals and staff spoke in favor of raising the cap. “If the Council should increase the cap, we would do everything we can to make sure student programs are not eliminated,” said BOE finance Chair Steve Colarossi speaking with BOE chair Jack Chiaramonte and BOE vice chair Glen Iannacone behind him.
Bruce Mellion, president of the teachers union, said the district’s enrollment was up 449 students and the number of teachers was down by 65 over the last three years. “Norwalk schools are being squeezed,” he said.
Paul Bryant Smith, pastor of the First Congregational Church, worried that the cuts would disproportionately affect poor and minority children. “We have to look out for the benefit of the whole community.”
Superintendent Susan Marks asked the Council to “invest in our district” and spoke about the challenges that Norwalk students will confront in the future as they “face a global ecomony”. Marks said she didn’t want to see the district come to a “tipping point where it can't tip back the other way.” She also pledged to improve the efficiency and transparency of central office.
Marks’ words were echoed by Patrick MacDonald, a high school student at the Center for Global Studies. “Students in Norwalk are not where they need to be in order to compete in the global economy,” he said. “What sort of Norwalk do you want? One with lackluster schools?”
For the second time in less than a week, Norwalk residents came out in large number to advocate for raising the city spending cap . Tuesday’s crowd, however, was only half the size of last Thursday’s Finance committee meeting where more than 700 people filled Norwalk High's auditorium. Unlike last week, at this meeting several people spoke in favor of not increasing taxes or BOE spending. “We need to keep any tax increase to a minimum,” said Andrea Light who spoke about her underemployed neighbor, retirees and people who have lost their homes to foreclosures. “It’s tough enough getting by, let’s not add salt to their wounds.”
Republican Council Chair Rick McQuaid who voted against raising the cap said he was personally affected by the proposed BOE cuts more than most people. His job as an intervention aide at Naramake is on the chopping block. He reminded the audience that a small increase is better than no increase. “We began at a 0 percent increase. It was a tough battle to 2.6 percent.”
Republican council members said they had promised voters to keep taxes low. “My commitment is to low taxes,” said Council member Kelly Straniti who expressed concern about new state taxes proposed by Gov. Malloy. “It all adds up.” Council members also repeated their call to BOE unions to take wage and step freezes.
The Council’s four Democrats emphasized that spending on education was an investment. Before the Republicans voted on their plan, Council member Nora King had offered a resolution to raise the cap to allow for a BOE budget increase of 3.7 percent, instead of the 2.4 percent. “This would give our new superintendent more of a playing field to her vision.” Council member Laurel Lindstrom called the resolution “a compromise” that would add $50 a year to an average tax payers bill.
During public comments, parents, BOE members, union leaders, school principals and staff spoke in favor of raising the cap. “If the Council should increase the cap, we would do everything we can to make sure student programs are not eliminated,” said BOE finance Chair Steve Colarossi speaking with BOE chair Jack Chiaramonte and BOE vice chair Glen Iannacone behind him.
Bruce Mellion, president of the teachers union, said the district’s enrollment was up 449 students and the number of teachers was down by 65 over the last three years. “Norwalk schools are being squeezed,” he said.
Paul Bryant Smith, pastor of the First Congregational Church, worried that the cuts would disproportionately affect poor and minority children. “We have to look out for the benefit of the whole community.”
Superintendent Susan Marks asked the Council to “invest in our district” and spoke about the challenges that Norwalk students will confront in the future as they “face a global ecomony”. Marks said she didn’t want to see the district come to a “tipping point where it can't tip back the other way.” She also pledged to improve the efficiency and transparency of central office.
Marks’ words were echoed by Patrick MacDonald, a high school student at the Center for Global Studies. “Students in Norwalk are not where they need to be in order to compete in the global economy,” he said. “What sort of Norwalk do you want? One with lackluster schools?”
Friday, February 18, 2011
Parents Rally, but Council Sticks to Plan
A version of this story appears in TheDailyNorwalk.com
Parents walked away disappointed from Thursday evening’s Common Council Finance Committee meeting. After hearing from dozens of speakers who pleaded for more money for education, the committee voted 4-2 to recommend not raising next year's city spending limit--" the cap"-- beyond 2.4 percent, the amount recommended by city’s director of finance.
“I cannot consciously vote to ask for any more of a tax increase,” Council member Doug Hempstead said. He spoke in favor of a resolution to set city spending at $273 million, which means a 2 percent increase in property taxes. Council Members Nora King and David Jaeger voted against the resolution, favoring instead full funding of the BOE budget that has a 4.7 percent increase in spending over last year.
Before the committee vote, hundreds of parents, teachers, administrators and city officials filled the Norwalk High School auditorium, heeding the PTO Council challenge to “Fill the Auditorium”.
For more than two hours, they took turns at the microphone hoping that the finance committee would recommend “raising the cap.” If the Common Council passes a 2.4 percent spending cap next week based on the finance committee’s recommendation, the BOE will have to make approximately $3.5 million in cuts beyond what the BOE requested budget calls for.
Before making their decision, the council members asked City Finance Director Tom Hamilton about the impact of Gov. Malloy’s recently proposed budget plan on state aid to Norwalk. Hamilton hadn’t had a chance to “fully analyze” the changes, but said it was “dangerous” to change projections based on the governor’s recommendations which may change during the legislative session.
Finance Committee Chair Nick Kydes suggested that if the BOE unions gave up their wage and step increases, it could save the BOE $3.2 million, minimizing shortfalls.
During the public hearing which preceded the vote, parents spoke about their children, their own struggles in this economy, and their attachment to the Norwalk community and their schools. Most parents spoke in support of the district as whole and asked officials to make education a city priority.
Amy Newsom, PTO president of Silvermine Elementary school, talked about “shared sacrifice”, a term being used by politicians when talking about the difficult decisions facing towns and schools. “I think everybody should pitch in. I would pay more taxes. I also think there should be union concessions.”
Several people, including seniors, spoke about how investing in schools is good for real estate values. “My house is my single biggest investment,” said Paul Brown, a retired resident. “If the school system goes down so does the value of my house.”
Teachers and parents spoke about renewed optimism they have in Norwalk Schools because a new superintendent. Melissa Petropolis, a teacher and a parent said, “After 22 years of teaching, I feel like we are headed in a very positive direction. That makes me very hopeful.”
Parents were frustrated by threats of constant cuts. “Why should we continually be stealing from our children?” asked Jimi Napoli, president of the Columbus PTO. “I want to live in a community that believes in its children.”
BOE members Jack Chiaramonte and Steve Colarossi promoted the board’s budget, as did West Rocks Principal Lynne Moore and Brien McMahon principal Susan Koroshetz. BOE Chief Operating Officer Craig Drezek spoke on behalf of Superintendent Susan Marks who is attending a conference in Colorodo (which she paid for out of pocket, stated Drezek). “Even with the union concessions, a 2 percent increase will mean significant cuts.”
Parents walked away disappointed from Thursday evening’s Common Council Finance Committee meeting. After hearing from dozens of speakers who pleaded for more money for education, the committee voted 4-2 to recommend not raising next year's city spending limit--" the cap"-- beyond 2.4 percent, the amount recommended by city’s director of finance.
“I cannot consciously vote to ask for any more of a tax increase,” Council member Doug Hempstead said. He spoke in favor of a resolution to set city spending at $273 million, which means a 2 percent increase in property taxes. Council Members Nora King and David Jaeger voted against the resolution, favoring instead full funding of the BOE budget that has a 4.7 percent increase in spending over last year.
Before the committee vote, hundreds of parents, teachers, administrators and city officials filled the Norwalk High School auditorium, heeding the PTO Council challenge to “Fill the Auditorium”.
For more than two hours, they took turns at the microphone hoping that the finance committee would recommend “raising the cap.” If the Common Council passes a 2.4 percent spending cap next week based on the finance committee’s recommendation, the BOE will have to make approximately $3.5 million in cuts beyond what the BOE requested budget calls for.
Before making their decision, the council members asked City Finance Director Tom Hamilton about the impact of Gov. Malloy’s recently proposed budget plan on state aid to Norwalk. Hamilton hadn’t had a chance to “fully analyze” the changes, but said it was “dangerous” to change projections based on the governor’s recommendations which may change during the legislative session.
Finance Committee Chair Nick Kydes suggested that if the BOE unions gave up their wage and step increases, it could save the BOE $3.2 million, minimizing shortfalls.
During the public hearing which preceded the vote, parents spoke about their children, their own struggles in this economy, and their attachment to the Norwalk community and their schools. Most parents spoke in support of the district as whole and asked officials to make education a city priority.
Amy Newsom, PTO president of Silvermine Elementary school, talked about “shared sacrifice”, a term being used by politicians when talking about the difficult decisions facing towns and schools. “I think everybody should pitch in. I would pay more taxes. I also think there should be union concessions.”
Several people, including seniors, spoke about how investing in schools is good for real estate values. “My house is my single biggest investment,” said Paul Brown, a retired resident. “If the school system goes down so does the value of my house.”
Teachers and parents spoke about renewed optimism they have in Norwalk Schools because a new superintendent. Melissa Petropolis, a teacher and a parent said, “After 22 years of teaching, I feel like we are headed in a very positive direction. That makes me very hopeful.”
Parents were frustrated by threats of constant cuts. “Why should we continually be stealing from our children?” asked Jimi Napoli, president of the Columbus PTO. “I want to live in a community that believes in its children.”
BOE members Jack Chiaramonte and Steve Colarossi promoted the board’s budget, as did West Rocks Principal Lynne Moore and Brien McMahon principal Susan Koroshetz. BOE Chief Operating Officer Craig Drezek spoke on behalf of Superintendent Susan Marks who is attending a conference in Colorodo (which she paid for out of pocket, stated Drezek). “Even with the union concessions, a 2 percent increase will mean significant cuts.”
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Malloy Preserves State's K-12 Education Funding
Gov. Dannel Malloy outlined an education plan during his budget presentation on Wed. that preserves secondary funding and increases funding for pre-k and magnet school programs. The governor emphasized reforms like teacher evaluations and "shared sacrifice" by asking unions for concessions and wage freezes.
Malloy stuck to his campaign promise to hold state funding to local districts at $1.9 billion, the same level as this year. Although the state is losing $270 million in federal stimulus funding next year, the governor's budget fills the gap so that districts won't see a drop in Education Cost Sharing grants. In addition, the governor is creating a committee to recommend a new way to calculate and distribute state aid for local school districts.
According to an article by the Associated Press
While secondary education and ECS funding was saved, state college funding was slashed. The governor is proposing a $143.5 million reduction to public colleges and universities, including Norwalk Community College, over the next two years.
Malloy stuck to his campaign promise to hold state funding to local districts at $1.9 billion, the same level as this year. Although the state is losing $270 million in federal stimulus funding next year, the governor's budget fills the gap so that districts won't see a drop in Education Cost Sharing grants. In addition, the governor is creating a committee to recommend a new way to calculate and distribute state aid for local school districts.
According to an article by the Associated Press
Malloy addressed teachers directly during his budget speech Wednesday, asking them not to look at the state aid as a pool for more raises -- which he said "will surely result in some of your colleagues losing their jobs or having larger classroom sizes."
"Teachers do heroic work, and I salute and admire them for it. But in these difficult times, we need to ask that you too share in the sacrifices we're all making," he said.
Another portion of Malloy's proposal would require teacher and administrator evaluations to factor in students' academic progress. He said he also wants reforms in teacher tenure rules "to give local school districts the flexibility they need to retain new, talented teachers," though he did not immediately offer specifics.The governor's budget also included increases for school choice programs. He's proposing an additional $70 million for 10,047 new seats in magnet, charter and the Open Choice program that sends urban students to suburban schools.
While secondary education and ECS funding was saved, state college funding was slashed. The governor is proposing a $143.5 million reduction to public colleges and universities, including Norwalk Community College, over the next two years.
Budget Cuts Chip Away at Norwalk High
A version of this story appears in TheDailyNorwalk.com
Principal Leonard Mecca says he felt like he had lied at a recent meeting with Norwalk High School parents. "I told parents of incoming ninth-graders that we do everything we can to make a large building a bit smaller." But Mecca says that will be difficult if Norwalk High loses a housemaster and other staff next year.
The 2011-12 Board of Education budget proposes cutting a housemaster, a security guard and a police officer at each city high school. These are not the first cuts to hit the high school in recent years. Over the past three years, Norwalk High has lost 10 teachers through attrition and a dean of students. "You can keep on saying it's fine, we'll get by this year. But what I'm seeing are signs of erosion," says Mecca. "I haven't created a new program in years. We are not moving forward; we are treading water."
The teachers were lost in technology, art, English, business and physical education. "It means that we have fewer electives to offer, fewer sections are available and more study halls," says Mecca. "With those tech teachers, I wanted to create graphic arts and video production courses and bring our school into 2011."
Norwalk High School has four housemasters. The school was built in 1971 with four physical sections or "houses:" A, B, D and E. Students are assigned guidance counselors within their house, and each house has a central area with a housemaster and guidance counselors.
Mecca said the housemaster is in charge of discipline and attendance. They also evaluate and supervise teachers. In addition, each housemaster has schoolwide responsibilities, including planning graduation, managing custodial services, scheduling, registering students and administering CAPTs.
"It's like cutting a limb," he says. If one position is cut, three will have to do the job of four, says Mecca. With 1,500 students total at Norwalk High, each house would increase from 375 students to 500. One interim housemaster, who is a retired housemaster, is filling the position of Kevin Walston, who left to become a high school principal in Bridgeport. If the housemaster position is cut, Mecca will not fill the interim position.
Norwalk High has six security guards who monitor halls, the cafeteria and security cameras. A police officer monitors people coming into and out of the school. "We do this so our campus can be safer," says Mecca. Without the police officer and a security guard, Mecca says he would have to put one security guard outside.
A couple of years ago, the school lost a "terrific" dean of students who was responsible for ninth and 10th grade discipline. "He counseled kids and connected with them. He had the proactive ability to not let kids fall through the cracks," says Mecca. He worries that without a housemaster as well as dean of students, some students will have fewer one-on-one relationships with adults. "It's very important for high school students to make connections with adults. It's going to be tougher to build those types of relationships."
Principal Leonard Mecca says he felt like he had lied at a recent meeting with Norwalk High School parents. "I told parents of incoming ninth-graders that we do everything we can to make a large building a bit smaller." But Mecca says that will be difficult if Norwalk High loses a housemaster and other staff next year.
The 2011-12 Board of Education budget proposes cutting a housemaster, a security guard and a police officer at each city high school. These are not the first cuts to hit the high school in recent years. Over the past three years, Norwalk High has lost 10 teachers through attrition and a dean of students. "You can keep on saying it's fine, we'll get by this year. But what I'm seeing are signs of erosion," says Mecca. "I haven't created a new program in years. We are not moving forward; we are treading water."
The teachers were lost in technology, art, English, business and physical education. "It means that we have fewer electives to offer, fewer sections are available and more study halls," says Mecca. "With those tech teachers, I wanted to create graphic arts and video production courses and bring our school into 2011."
Norwalk High School has four housemasters. The school was built in 1971 with four physical sections or "houses:" A, B, D and E. Students are assigned guidance counselors within their house, and each house has a central area with a housemaster and guidance counselors.
Mecca said the housemaster is in charge of discipline and attendance. They also evaluate and supervise teachers. In addition, each housemaster has schoolwide responsibilities, including planning graduation, managing custodial services, scheduling, registering students and administering CAPTs.
"It's like cutting a limb," he says. If one position is cut, three will have to do the job of four, says Mecca. With 1,500 students total at Norwalk High, each house would increase from 375 students to 500. One interim housemaster, who is a retired housemaster, is filling the position of Kevin Walston, who left to become a high school principal in Bridgeport. If the housemaster position is cut, Mecca will not fill the interim position.
Norwalk High has six security guards who monitor halls, the cafeteria and security cameras. A police officer monitors people coming into and out of the school. "We do this so our campus can be safer," says Mecca. Without the police officer and a security guard, Mecca says he would have to put one security guard outside.
A couple of years ago, the school lost a "terrific" dean of students who was responsible for ninth and 10th grade discipline. "He counseled kids and connected with them. He had the proactive ability to not let kids fall through the cracks," says Mecca. He worries that without a housemaster as well as dean of students, some students will have fewer one-on-one relationships with adults. "It's very important for high school students to make connections with adults. It's going to be tougher to build those types of relationships."
Center for Global Studies Gets Boost from Asia Society
A version of this story appears in TheDailyNorwalk.com
Neil Govani and Shaqille Simpson, juniors at the Center of Global Studies, thanked the Asia Society on Thursday for giving their school money and resources for the study of Chinese language and culture.
Govani spoke impressively in Mandarin while Simpson translated. "You gave us money so our school can be even better. Thank you very much for the Confucius Classroom," they said.
By becoming part of Asia Society's Confucius Classrooms Network, the center receives a three-year $10,000 grant to support the study of Chinese language and culture. Roslynne McCarthy, director of the center, says the funding is as important as the expertise and materials provided by the Confucius Classrooms program. The center will be able to expand its program through middle school classes and elementary clubs. The program offers funds and opportunities for summer study in China and exchange teachers from China. The center's two Mandarin teachers will receive more instructional materials and staff development.
"We want to give U.S. students opportunities to be globally competent and college ready," said Jeff Wong, the Asia Society representative who spoke to the center's students. "Our goal is to get 100 exemplary programs and showcase them throughout the country. You'll be a part of a network of best practices." The center is one of 60 programs, selected from 200 applicants, that have been selected across the country. Wong said the goal is to get to 100 by next year. In Fairfield County, Greenwich High School and Newtown High School have also been selected as Confucius Classrooms.
Simpson, a Bridgeport resident, travels an hour a day on two buses and a train to make his way to the Center for Global Studies,an inter-district magnet school located at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk that focuses on Arabic, Chinese and Japanese language, history and culture.
"I didn't want to go to an average high school," said Simpson, who will travel to China in April. "China is becoming a world power in the 21st century. This program is good for my future."
Norwalk Superintendent Susan Marks is especially excited about the possibility of language instruction for younger students. "Look at how good these students are after three years of instruction," said Marks. "Imagine their level of language if they learned it from kindergarten through 12th grade?"
Neil Govani and Shaqille Simpson, juniors at the Center of Global Studies, thanked the Asia Society on Thursday for giving their school money and resources for the study of Chinese language and culture.
Govani spoke impressively in Mandarin while Simpson translated. "You gave us money so our school can be even better. Thank you very much for the Confucius Classroom," they said.
By becoming part of Asia Society's Confucius Classrooms Network, the center receives a three-year $10,000 grant to support the study of Chinese language and culture. Roslynne McCarthy, director of the center, says the funding is as important as the expertise and materials provided by the Confucius Classrooms program. The center will be able to expand its program through middle school classes and elementary clubs. The program offers funds and opportunities for summer study in China and exchange teachers from China. The center's two Mandarin teachers will receive more instructional materials and staff development.
"We want to give U.S. students opportunities to be globally competent and college ready," said Jeff Wong, the Asia Society representative who spoke to the center's students. "Our goal is to get 100 exemplary programs and showcase them throughout the country. You'll be a part of a network of best practices." The center is one of 60 programs, selected from 200 applicants, that have been selected across the country. Wong said the goal is to get to 100 by next year. In Fairfield County, Greenwich High School and Newtown High School have also been selected as Confucius Classrooms.
Simpson, a Bridgeport resident, travels an hour a day on two buses and a train to make his way to the Center for Global Studies,an inter-district magnet school located at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk that focuses on Arabic, Chinese and Japanese language, history and culture.
"I didn't want to go to an average high school," said Simpson, who will travel to China in April. "China is becoming a world power in the 21st century. This program is good for my future."
Norwalk Superintendent Susan Marks is especially excited about the possibility of language instruction for younger students. "Look at how good these students are after three years of instruction," said Marks. "Imagine their level of language if they learned it from kindergarten through 12th grade?"
Friday, February 11, 2011
Council Reviews "Austere" City Budget
A version of this story appears in TheDailyNorwalk.com
Larry Mastrota got a crash course in school financing. The father of a preschooler at Fox Run Elementary School and a kindergartner at Columbus Magnet attended presentations this week with the Board of Estimate & Taxation and the Common Council on the 2011-12 school operating budget.
"I have young kids in the school now and want to get more actively involved," says Mastrota, a resident of Norwalk for the past 12 years. "I'm here to learn about the budget process." For the second time this week, parents such as Mastrota as well as teachers and administrators came out in large numbers to Thursday's Common Council meeting. No public comments were allowed. The crowd sat silently and listened as Tom Hamilton, City Director of Finance, presented his financial plan to the Council's finance committee. As Hamilton and others spoke, parents held up signs saying "support education" and "U," for United.
Similar to Tuesday's BET presentation, Hamilton called the city's $287 million budget an "austere plan that calls for shared sacrifice." Although the Board of Education sought a 4.25 increase, Hamilton recommended a "modest increase" of 2 percent for both the city and the schools. This would translate to a 2 percent average tax increase.
Council Finance Committee Chair Nick Kydes and council member Nora King disagreed about the state of the economy. "We are not out of the recession," said Kydes, saying that 9 percent unemployment is "ludicrous." King, however, said there are many signs that Connecticut is coming out of the recession and that unemployment is lower in here than in other parts of the country.
Council member Doug Hempstead asked Hamilton on how state aid would affect the budget, what the tax rate would be if the budget were increased and the feasibility of drawing down the city's 9 percent undesignated "rainy day" fund. "I don't suggest further drawdowns," said Hamilton, noting that it might hurt the city's AAA bond rating.
King asked Hamilton about the city's strategy to increase the city's Grand List of taxable property and about converting city pensions to 401ks. "Any changes to pensions would be up to collective bargaining," said Hamilton.
Hamilton recommended that school employees take a zero percent wage increase, as city union did for this year.
At the end of the meeting, Mastrota said he applauded Mayor Richard Moccia for not wanting to increase city taxes by more than 2 percent, but said he hoped to see more ideas to deal with budget shortfalls. "The only option presented is that unions take a zero percent increase. I'd like to see more creative thinking to deal with our budget needs."
Larry Mastrota got a crash course in school financing. The father of a preschooler at Fox Run Elementary School and a kindergartner at Columbus Magnet attended presentations this week with the Board of Estimate & Taxation and the Common Council on the 2011-12 school operating budget.
"I have young kids in the school now and want to get more actively involved," says Mastrota, a resident of Norwalk for the past 12 years. "I'm here to learn about the budget process." For the second time this week, parents such as Mastrota as well as teachers and administrators came out in large numbers to Thursday's Common Council meeting. No public comments were allowed. The crowd sat silently and listened as Tom Hamilton, City Director of Finance, presented his financial plan to the Council's finance committee. As Hamilton and others spoke, parents held up signs saying "support education" and "U," for United.
Similar to Tuesday's BET presentation, Hamilton called the city's $287 million budget an "austere plan that calls for shared sacrifice." Although the Board of Education sought a 4.25 increase, Hamilton recommended a "modest increase" of 2 percent for both the city and the schools. This would translate to a 2 percent average tax increase.
Council Finance Committee Chair Nick Kydes and council member Nora King disagreed about the state of the economy. "We are not out of the recession," said Kydes, saying that 9 percent unemployment is "ludicrous." King, however, said there are many signs that Connecticut is coming out of the recession and that unemployment is lower in here than in other parts of the country.
Council member Doug Hempstead asked Hamilton on how state aid would affect the budget, what the tax rate would be if the budget were increased and the feasibility of drawing down the city's 9 percent undesignated "rainy day" fund. "I don't suggest further drawdowns," said Hamilton, noting that it might hurt the city's AAA bond rating.
King asked Hamilton about the city's strategy to increase the city's Grand List of taxable property and about converting city pensions to 401ks. "Any changes to pensions would be up to collective bargaining," said Hamilton.
Hamilton recommended that school employees take a zero percent wage increase, as city union did for this year.
At the end of the meeting, Mastrota said he applauded Mayor Richard Moccia for not wanting to increase city taxes by more than 2 percent, but said he hoped to see more ideas to deal with budget shortfalls. "The only option presented is that unions take a zero percent increase. I'd like to see more creative thinking to deal with our budget needs."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Schools lose 3 Days of Feb Break
Norwalk students will spend part of their February vacation in school. The Board of Education voted Tuesday night to remove three days--Tues., Wed., Thurs.-- from the annual Winter break.
“We are not going to please everyone, but my recommendation is to use days in February,” said schools superintendent Susan Marks. “There has been so much disruption, and the schools need to prep for CMTs.” Marks added that Trumbull, Stratford, Easton and Redding have canceled their February breaks.
There have been seven snow days to date, and the district needs to make up five days in order to comply with the state’s minimum requirement of 180 days.
In an 7-1 vote, school board members decided that school will be in session Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 22-24. Students and teachers will be off Feb. 21 and 25. School will also be held on March 25, which was originally scheduled to be a professional development day for teachers. Two additional days will be added at the end of the year. Barring any more snow days, the last day of school will be June 22 for students, June 23 for teachers.
Back-to-back winter storms have resulted in snow days almost every week since the beginning of 2011. As the days piled up, Norwalk students and parents have wondered how they would be made up. To gather the public’s input, Marks posted a survey on the Internet asking whether to cancel vacations in February or April, or have days added in June. The survey showed a slight preference for making the days up during February break.
Marks said she would ensure a “smooth process” so that staff and students who had made vacation plans would have excused absences. Board Member Jodi Bishop- Pullan asked Marks about the number of necessary staff like nurses and cafeteria workers who will be absent during that week. Marks said she did not know who among the staff will not be able to work that week, but has been in consultation with union leaders.
Initially, Marks proposed using four days in February and one in June. However, Bishop-Pullan said she would be “more supportive” of using three days. Generally, she supported taking days away from February break. “The students don’t need the time at the end of the year. They need it now,” she said. However, she expressed concern about the amount of time students, particularly high school students, who had vacation plans would miss. “Missing four days in high school is a lot to miss.
Board Member Steven Colarossi put forth a motion for the three-day scenario. Board member Sue Haynie, the only dissenting vote, said after the meeting she preferred canceling four days during the February break. Board Member Migdalia Rivas was absent.
Earlier in the meeting, Norwalk Federation of Teachers President Bruce Mellion said that he supported canceling part of February break and had met with Marks twice to discuss the matter.
“We are not going to please everyone, but my recommendation is to use days in February,” said schools superintendent Susan Marks. “There has been so much disruption, and the schools need to prep for CMTs.” Marks added that Trumbull, Stratford, Easton and Redding have canceled their February breaks.
There have been seven snow days to date, and the district needs to make up five days in order to comply with the state’s minimum requirement of 180 days.
In an 7-1 vote, school board members decided that school will be in session Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 22-24. Students and teachers will be off Feb. 21 and 25. School will also be held on March 25, which was originally scheduled to be a professional development day for teachers. Two additional days will be added at the end of the year. Barring any more snow days, the last day of school will be June 22 for students, June 23 for teachers.
Back-to-back winter storms have resulted in snow days almost every week since the beginning of 2011. As the days piled up, Norwalk students and parents have wondered how they would be made up. To gather the public’s input, Marks posted a survey on the Internet asking whether to cancel vacations in February or April, or have days added in June. The survey showed a slight preference for making the days up during February break.
Marks said she would ensure a “smooth process” so that staff and students who had made vacation plans would have excused absences. Board Member Jodi Bishop- Pullan asked Marks about the number of necessary staff like nurses and cafeteria workers who will be absent during that week. Marks said she did not know who among the staff will not be able to work that week, but has been in consultation with union leaders.
Initially, Marks proposed using four days in February and one in June. However, Bishop-Pullan said she would be “more supportive” of using three days. Generally, she supported taking days away from February break. “The students don’t need the time at the end of the year. They need it now,” she said. However, she expressed concern about the amount of time students, particularly high school students, who had vacation plans would miss. “Missing four days in high school is a lot to miss.
Board Member Steven Colarossi put forth a motion for the three-day scenario. Board member Sue Haynie, the only dissenting vote, said after the meeting she preferred canceling four days during the February break. Board Member Migdalia Rivas was absent.
Earlier in the meeting, Norwalk Federation of Teachers President Bruce Mellion said that he supported canceling part of February break and had met with Marks twice to discuss the matter.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Hamilton Recommends 2 percent cap at BET Meeting; Parents turn up in large numbers
More than 100 parents, teachers and principals crowded into the community room at City Hall on Monday night to show their support for education funding in Norwalk, as the Board of Estimation & Taxation considered the city's 2011-12 operating budget.
Parent M.J. Chironna held a "Support Education" sign made by first-graders at Fox Run Elementary School. Karen Pace, PTO president of Brien McMahon High School's parents club, attended because she thinks that proposed cuts of housemasters and security personnel at the high schools would be "devastating."
"Your presence is sending a message," BET Chairman Fred Wilms said as he began the meeting that had to be moved to a bigger room to accomodate the large than anticipated turnout. At the meeting, Norwalk's Finance Director Tom Hamilton told BET members that school spending made up 54 percent of the city's total budget of $287 million that he was recommending.
The Board of Education wants $156.7 million for 2011-12, a 4.25 percent increase over last year. But Hamilton said the city could afford only a 2 percent increase. Hamilton said the city's economic situation is still weak. He cited a stagnant tax base and a decline in state funding for education. According to Hamilton, revenue from city fees and permits are flat, while pension contributions and retiree benefits continue to increase. Also, city employees will receive 2 to 2.75 percent wage increases next year, however, they received 0 percent this year as a result of renegotiating their contracts. Hamilton urged BOE employees to open their contracts like city employees did last year.
Even though the school board is not getting as much money as it wanted, Hamilton said, city taxes would rise by 1.8 percent if the budget was approved. A median single-family home in central Norwalk with $6,000 in property taxes would see its property taxes go up $107 under the spending plan.
Mayor Moccia acknowledged parents who held up "support education" signs, but said that for every parent present at the meeting there was a struggling senior on fixed income who can't afford tax increases.
Over the past week, parent groups have been sending letters, emails and Facebook messages warning about the effect of a 2 percent cap on spending. "Parents: Dr. Marks' recommended budget was a 3.32 percent budget - just imagine the severity of cuts at 2 percent?" Lisa Lenskold, PTO Council president, wrote in a letter to parents. The PTOC has also set up a Facebook page.
Superintendent Susan Marks' recommended budget included cuts to first grade aides, elementary school intervention aides, assistant principals in a couple of elementary schools and middle schools, high school housemasters and security personnel, in addition to a few employees in the Central Office.
Drew Todd, a Wolfpit Elementary School parent, sent a letter to neighbors, warning that Wolfpit might close if the cap were set at 2 percent. "These budget cuts could, if implemented, close small neighborhood schools, such as Wolfpit Elementary School," he wrote.
"Parents are going to flabbergasted by the type of cuts in a 2 percent cap," Lenskold said. "I want everyone to become educated on the budget. The future of our kids and future of our city depend on it."
On Thursday, the Common Council is meeting to discuss the city's operating budget.
Parent M.J. Chironna held a "Support Education" sign made by first-graders at Fox Run Elementary School. Karen Pace, PTO president of Brien McMahon High School's parents club, attended because she thinks that proposed cuts of housemasters and security personnel at the high schools would be "devastating."
"Your presence is sending a message," BET Chairman Fred Wilms said as he began the meeting that had to be moved to a bigger room to accomodate the large than anticipated turnout. At the meeting, Norwalk's Finance Director Tom Hamilton told BET members that school spending made up 54 percent of the city's total budget of $287 million that he was recommending.
The Board of Education wants $156.7 million for 2011-12, a 4.25 percent increase over last year. But Hamilton said the city could afford only a 2 percent increase. Hamilton said the city's economic situation is still weak. He cited a stagnant tax base and a decline in state funding for education. According to Hamilton, revenue from city fees and permits are flat, while pension contributions and retiree benefits continue to increase. Also, city employees will receive 2 to 2.75 percent wage increases next year, however, they received 0 percent this year as a result of renegotiating their contracts. Hamilton urged BOE employees to open their contracts like city employees did last year.
Even though the school board is not getting as much money as it wanted, Hamilton said, city taxes would rise by 1.8 percent if the budget was approved. A median single-family home in central Norwalk with $6,000 in property taxes would see its property taxes go up $107 under the spending plan.
Mayor Moccia acknowledged parents who held up "support education" signs, but said that for every parent present at the meeting there was a struggling senior on fixed income who can't afford tax increases.
Over the past week, parent groups have been sending letters, emails and Facebook messages warning about the effect of a 2 percent cap on spending. "Parents: Dr. Marks' recommended budget was a 3.32 percent budget - just imagine the severity of cuts at 2 percent?" Lisa Lenskold, PTO Council president, wrote in a letter to parents. The PTOC has also set up a Facebook page.
Superintendent Susan Marks' recommended budget included cuts to first grade aides, elementary school intervention aides, assistant principals in a couple of elementary schools and middle schools, high school housemasters and security personnel, in addition to a few employees in the Central Office.
Drew Todd, a Wolfpit Elementary School parent, sent a letter to neighbors, warning that Wolfpit might close if the cap were set at 2 percent. "These budget cuts could, if implemented, close small neighborhood schools, such as Wolfpit Elementary School," he wrote.
"Parents are going to flabbergasted by the type of cuts in a 2 percent cap," Lenskold said. "I want everyone to become educated on the budget. The future of our kids and future of our city depend on it."
On Thursday, the Common Council is meeting to discuss the city's operating budget.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Hamilton Recommends Major Cuts in BOE Capital Budget
Norwalk’s director of finance says the city cannot afford the Board of Education’s $4 million 2011-12 capital budget request. In a Feb. 1 letter to city officials, Tom Hamilton recommends the city spend $27.6 million for citywide capital improvements, of which $875,000 would be for BOE technology upgrades. However, no allocation should be made this year for the other district projects. Hamilton also pared back the BOE’s five-year capital plan, suggesting the board get $20 million instead of the $40.5 million requested.
“Without making substantial reductions to the established city capital program, the city cannot afford a new capital program for the Board of Education of this magnitude,” Hamilton wrote.
In early December, the BOE proposed a five-year plan to ease overcrowding in five elementary schools: Cranbury, Rowayton, Naramake, Jefferson and Columbus. The plan also included funds to install air conditioning in all the elementary schools, upgrade technology, repair asphalt and concrete and make other needed infrastructure improvements. The $4 million for 2011-12 approved by the BOE would have been spent on Naramake, Rowayton and Cranbury schools.
In an interview, Hamilton said the BOE has an “unallocated, unspent” $6 million balance in the capital fund that could be used for next year’s projects. He added that the city spent $200 million on major school renovations between 2003-2008.
While he “applauds” the fact that the BOE presented a multi-year plan, Hamilton thinks the BOE needs to “establish priorities” based on the city’s current fiscal situation.
“The city doesn’t have the capacity to take on that kind of debt,” says Hamilton. “That money has to paid back with interest. There isn’t support for increasing taxes.”
Hamilton emphasized that his recommendation was not final. The Board of Estimate and Taxation and the mayor have to weigh in on the capital budget before the Common Council sets a “cap” or limit in mid-April.
“My recommendations are based on already planned capital projects on the city side. If the city decides that the BOE is a higher priority than the planned city projects, then that changes the situation.” He also said that the five-year plan can be “modified” from year to year.
Democratic Common Council member Nora King is unhappy about Hamilton’s recommendations. “We are going in the wrong direction with this budget,” she says. “We can’t keep cutting the BOE budget year after year, especially when we have overcrowding in our schools.” King represents Rowayton, where the elementary school is slated for expansion.
King, who supports a short-term tax increase, says Mayor Richard Moccia should be helping the schools by building up the tax base. “The mayor should be taking a leadership role in getting development going and building up the grand list.” She also says he should be working with the BOE on “teacher performance and academic issues as well as pension issues.”
“Without making substantial reductions to the established city capital program, the city cannot afford a new capital program for the Board of Education of this magnitude,” Hamilton wrote.
In early December, the BOE proposed a five-year plan to ease overcrowding in five elementary schools: Cranbury, Rowayton, Naramake, Jefferson and Columbus. The plan also included funds to install air conditioning in all the elementary schools, upgrade technology, repair asphalt and concrete and make other needed infrastructure improvements. The $4 million for 2011-12 approved by the BOE would have been spent on Naramake, Rowayton and Cranbury schools.
In an interview, Hamilton said the BOE has an “unallocated, unspent” $6 million balance in the capital fund that could be used for next year’s projects. He added that the city spent $200 million on major school renovations between 2003-2008.
While he “applauds” the fact that the BOE presented a multi-year plan, Hamilton thinks the BOE needs to “establish priorities” based on the city’s current fiscal situation.
“The city doesn’t have the capacity to take on that kind of debt,” says Hamilton. “That money has to paid back with interest. There isn’t support for increasing taxes.”
Hamilton emphasized that his recommendation was not final. The Board of Estimate and Taxation and the mayor have to weigh in on the capital budget before the Common Council sets a “cap” or limit in mid-April.
“My recommendations are based on already planned capital projects on the city side. If the city decides that the BOE is a higher priority than the planned city projects, then that changes the situation.” He also said that the five-year plan can be “modified” from year to year.
Democratic Common Council member Nora King is unhappy about Hamilton’s recommendations. “We are going in the wrong direction with this budget,” she says. “We can’t keep cutting the BOE budget year after year, especially when we have overcrowding in our schools.” King represents Rowayton, where the elementary school is slated for expansion.
King, who supports a short-term tax increase, says Mayor Richard Moccia should be helping the schools by building up the tax base. “The mayor should be taking a leadership role in getting development going and building up the grand list.” She also says he should be working with the BOE on “teacher performance and academic issues as well as pension issues.”
Marks Puts Freeze on Spending of Supplies
Norwalk Superintendent of Schools Susan Marks has announced a spending freeze on instructional supplies. That means no more spending this year on textbooks and other supplies. Marks made the move in an effort to save money from this year’s budget so that she can use the money for next year.
“All purchase orders related to the accounts should be stopped immediately,” wrote Marks in a letter to principals, union presidents and secretaries about a spending freeze on all instructional supplies. Waivers are permitted for expenses that are “absolutely unavoidable.”
This latest spending freeze goes further than the one Marks put in place in mid-December, which focused on staffing. At that time, instructional materials were exempt from the freeze.
Marks, however, doesn’t think that this freeze will have a major impact on the schools. “I believe the impact in the classroom will be little, as many supplies have been already purchased,” said Marks. “I am not sure of the estimate of savings as yet, but should have a better idea in the near future.”
The following items were included on her list:
■ All instructional materials
■ General supplies
■ Textbooks/workbooks/consumable accounts
■ Overtime accounts
■ Instructional, non-instructional equipment
■ Library/audio-visual supplies
■ Attendance at out-of-district conferences
■ Funds cannot be encumbered for future expenditures.
“All purchase orders related to the accounts should be stopped immediately,” wrote Marks in a letter to principals, union presidents and secretaries about a spending freeze on all instructional supplies. Waivers are permitted for expenses that are “absolutely unavoidable.”
This latest spending freeze goes further than the one Marks put in place in mid-December, which focused on staffing. At that time, instructional materials were exempt from the freeze.
Marks, however, doesn’t think that this freeze will have a major impact on the schools. “I believe the impact in the classroom will be little, as many supplies have been already purchased,” said Marks. “I am not sure of the estimate of savings as yet, but should have a better idea in the near future.”
The following items were included on her list:
■ All instructional materials
■ General supplies
■ Textbooks/workbooks/consumable accounts
■ Overtime accounts
■ Instructional, non-instructional equipment
■ Library/audio-visual supplies
■ Attendance at out-of-district conferences
■ Funds cannot be encumbered for future expenditures.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Days Mean Less Time for Test Prep
A version of this story appears in TheDailyNorwalk.com
Patrick Moffett, an AP calculus teacher at Norwalk High School, worries that he won't have enough time to prepare his students for their Advanced Placement exam in May.
With six snow days and a couple of delayed openings and early closings this winter in Norwalk, he says he has lost valuable time. "I have to get through my material quicker," he says.
Last year, when the district lost a week of classes because of a March hurricane, Moffett made YouTube videos so his class wouldn't fall behind. This year, he may have to do the same.
Although much of the debate on snow days centers on vacation schedules and hot days in late June, many educators and parents are concerned about diminished instruction time in the classroom. Less time in class means less time to prepare for high-stakes state and national standardized tests.
The Connecticut Mastery Tests for grades 3-8 and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test for Grade 10 are multiday tests administered across the state in early March. The tests, in part, determine whether a school meets national goals set by No Child Left Behind. Students nationwide take Advanced Placement exams in May.
Moffett has to get through a set amount of material to prepare his students for the AP exam. Usually he spends the last month before the exam reviewing. But like last year, Moffett says he'll have less time for review. "It's tight at the end of the year, I'm cramming in material." He says that he wouldn't mind "dropping days" from the February break to make up for snow days.
"You lose the academic routine," Norwalk High School Principal Leonard Mecca says. He says the midterm exams at the high school were stretched over two weeks because of the snow days.
Brookside Elementary School Principal David Hay says he has had to rearrange the school schedule so that all mornings can be free for CMT preparation. "Time is very important for us," says Hay. "We have a schedule that we follow for test prep that is being disrupted."
Lee Cundiff, an AP computer science teacher at Norwalk High, has issues with the district's calendar in general. He says Norwalk students are at a disadvantage with their peers across the country. "We already start behind other school districts whose calendars start earlier and have fewer vacations," says Cundiff. "The fact that February vacation is immediately before testing is an example of setting up our students to fail. The same thing will occur in April with the AP exams starting in early May. Is this fair to the students?"
He says, "The clock is ticking. I am two weeks behind where I'm supposed to be."
Patrick Moffett, an AP calculus teacher at Norwalk High School, worries that he won't have enough time to prepare his students for their Advanced Placement exam in May.
With six snow days and a couple of delayed openings and early closings this winter in Norwalk, he says he has lost valuable time. "I have to get through my material quicker," he says.
Last year, when the district lost a week of classes because of a March hurricane, Moffett made YouTube videos so his class wouldn't fall behind. This year, he may have to do the same.
Although much of the debate on snow days centers on vacation schedules and hot days in late June, many educators and parents are concerned about diminished instruction time in the classroom. Less time in class means less time to prepare for high-stakes state and national standardized tests.
The Connecticut Mastery Tests for grades 3-8 and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test for Grade 10 are multiday tests administered across the state in early March. The tests, in part, determine whether a school meets national goals set by No Child Left Behind. Students nationwide take Advanced Placement exams in May.
Moffett has to get through a set amount of material to prepare his students for the AP exam. Usually he spends the last month before the exam reviewing. But like last year, Moffett says he'll have less time for review. "It's tight at the end of the year, I'm cramming in material." He says that he wouldn't mind "dropping days" from the February break to make up for snow days.
"You lose the academic routine," Norwalk High School Principal Leonard Mecca says. He says the midterm exams at the high school were stretched over two weeks because of the snow days.
Brookside Elementary School Principal David Hay says he has had to rearrange the school schedule so that all mornings can be free for CMT preparation. "Time is very important for us," says Hay. "We have a schedule that we follow for test prep that is being disrupted."
Lee Cundiff, an AP computer science teacher at Norwalk High, has issues with the district's calendar in general. He says Norwalk students are at a disadvantage with their peers across the country. "We already start behind other school districts whose calendars start earlier and have fewer vacations," says Cundiff. "The fact that February vacation is immediately before testing is an example of setting up our students to fail. The same thing will occur in April with the AP exams starting in early May. Is this fair to the students?"
He says, "The clock is ticking. I am two weeks behind where I'm supposed to be."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
UPDATED: Marks Posts Online Survey Re: Snow Days, BOE Meeting Canceled
Update:
A couple of points of clarifications about the survey--it is not a vote and it will be up for a couple more days. In an email exchange yesterday evening, Superintendent Susan Marks said: "The survey is just a quick way of getting the pulse from the community, staff and students. It is not a vote, but can be used with additional information that the board will consider." She also said that she will keep the survey on line for "a couple of days" and she is hoping that the board reschedules their meeting for next Tuesday to make a decision.
Superintendent Susan Marks wants to know how you want to make up snow days. Marks has posted a survey on the Norwalk Public Schools website asking for community input on the matter. The three choices are 1) use the days in June 2) use February vacation 3) use spring break days.
In the survey, Marks says that the district has four make up days to meet the state's minimum requirement of 180 days of school. (There have been six now days, but the district allotted two extra days this year). "These days are usually made up at the end of the year, however with so many days to make up, I am interested in your opinions on the make up days," writes Marks.
Tuesday's Board of Education meeting at which make-up days was slated to be discussed has been canceled due to weather conditions.
A couple of points of clarifications about the survey--it is not a vote and it will be up for a couple more days. In an email exchange yesterday evening, Superintendent Susan Marks said: "The survey is just a quick way of getting the pulse from the community, staff and students. It is not a vote, but can be used with additional information that the board will consider." She also said that she will keep the survey on line for "a couple of days" and she is hoping that the board reschedules their meeting for next Tuesday to make a decision.
Superintendent Susan Marks wants to know how you want to make up snow days. Marks has posted a survey on the Norwalk Public Schools website asking for community input on the matter. The three choices are 1) use the days in June 2) use February vacation 3) use spring break days.
In the survey, Marks says that the district has four make up days to meet the state's minimum requirement of 180 days of school. (There have been six now days, but the district allotted two extra days this year). "These days are usually made up at the end of the year, however with so many days to make up, I am interested in your opinions on the make up days," writes Marks.
Tuesday's Board of Education meeting at which make-up days was slated to be discussed has been canceled due to weather conditions.
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