Nast Proposes Deep Cuts; New Hires Planned

It was budget cut deja vu at yesterday night's Board of Education Meeting. Interim Superintendent Michael Nast presented a list of possible budget cuts that were reminscient of many of the items on the chopping block last year, including grade 3 strings, assistant principals at some schools,  middle school Academically Talented, and Artistically Talented.

"The staff and I have gone throught the budget line by line. At this point nothing is in cement, but we have to start talking about the cuts and making decisions," said Nast, who is in touch with incoming superintendent Susan Marks about the budget process.

The BOE has been asked by the Board of Estimation and Taxation to cut $5 million from its $155 million budget. So far, Nast has been able to bring the budget down by $3.5 million. Nast gave the board some details about these reductions. Middle school principal have proposed cutting the Academically Talented program for gifted children. (The middle schools were asked to choose their own cuts. The high schools will share their cuts at the next board meeting.).

In addition, he is asking the athletic directors of the high schools to reduce their budget by $20,000 each. The Structure of Intellect test taken by grade 2 students as a screening tool for AT will also be eliminated. Nast said that the in-school suspension law, requiring additional staff to monitor students serving suspensions in school, may be implemented next year and cause some additional expense. The final decision about the implementation date of this law will be known in early May. Nast also explained that Pupil Personnel Services was increasing by 13 percent because it has been "historically under budgeted."

On Tuesday, Nast presented a series of potential (bold, underlined in his handout) that could make up the remaining $1.6 million shortfall. Highlights of the cut list include: 2 assistant principals in elementary, 1 assistant principal in the middle schools, 3 Columbus elementary aides (combine grades 4-5), 5 literacy coaches, artistically talented, grade 3 stings, 1/2 day kindergarten, 1 security guard at Ponus Middle School.

"I feel like I'm reliving last year," said BOE member Jody Bishop-Pullan. "Every one of these cuts will affect the kids and teachers."

Jack Chiaramonte was unhappy about the possibility of these cuts and spoke directly to the teacher union leader, Bruce Mellion, demanding givebacks. "You are the second highest paid teachers in the state.This is an insult to the taxpayers. Do what's right."

Nast said that he expects the Board to digest this information over the next two weeks and come back with questions and recommendations. He will also seek feedback from principals and schools staff on the proposals. In addition, he will be at the upcoming PTO Coucil meeting to discuss potential cuts with parents.

Nast introduced the newly hired math instructional specialist Craig Creller, who used to work for the Middletown school district and CREC. Creller has extensive experience in teacher training. Nast also gave an update on the hiring process for Director of Pupil Personel. An interim director, Diane Ferber, has been selected. There are two finalists for the permanent position. Nast, along with other central office personel are going to interview the finalists on Friday.

Board chair Glenn Iannaccone said that he has presented a contract to Dr. Susan Mark, the newly appointed superintendent. Once the BOE and Marks have agreed on the terms of the contract, it will be made available to the public.

A version of this story appears in The Daily Norwalk