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Superintendent Nast listens to parents' concerns about the budget
Photo Credit: Thomas Cain
David Hay, Principal of Brookside, says cuts will impact school community
Photo Credit: Thomas Cain
Jill Arvanitis, President of the PTOC, asks about the possible impact of increased class size
Photo Credit: Thomas Cain
Interim Superintendent Michael Nast fielded questions from anxious parents and school staff last night about the evolving Board of Education budget. The BOE has been asked by the Board of Estimation and Taxation to cut $5 million from its $155 million budget. “We are trying to work all angles,” said Nast. “I am always open to suggestions.”
Nast reviewed suggested budget cuts totaling $3 million that he presented to the BOE last week. The bulk of these savings comes from teacher turnover and reductions. Most of the meeting was spent trying to figure out how to reach the next $2 million. Parent concerns centered on a proposal to increase elementary class sizes and whether unions will reopen contracts to help save the district money.
Nast said union concessions, like wage freezes and furlough days, are still being discussed. However, the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, the largest union, has said that it will not reopen its contract. Several of the other smaller unions including the administrators' union have said they are willing to negotiate.
Nast reminded parents that increasing class sizes is not an option unless the teacher’s union is on board.
Parents asked how they should present these concerns at tonight's BET Public Hearing on the city’s budgets. “I think the point to make is that a 0% increase is going to impact the kids, no matter what we pick,” said Nast.
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