Where Are Our Schools Headed?

To the Editor:

I have spoken at several of the Board of Education meetings. None of what I have questioned seems to have appeared in The Bee, as for instance, last year’s budget was increased over the prior year as will this year’s budget over last year. So, I continue to be perplexed. Where are we going?

1. Fourth grades orchestra, cut.

2. Alternative program, cut.

3. Discovery program, cut.

These programs were cut by the superintendent with seemingly approval by the board. Let’s discuss the Discovery Program. This program was originated and supervised successfully by Mr Vouros for over 18 years. When the program was cut, Mr Vouros was relegated back to the classroom. In complete mortification, Mr Vouros submitted his resignation. Was it not important enough for the board to have an inquiry as to why we, Newtown, should lose a man of such experience. No way. Goodbye Mr Vouros, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

The further irony of this situation, at one of the recent board meetings the acting principal asked six students to stand for their achievements as merit scholars, a highly prized reward. Guess what? Five of the six students had gone through the Discovery Program. Am I missing something?

Another situation. Bill Manfredonia, who devoted 34 years of service to the Newtown School system, submitted his resignation, midterm, before the school year was over, not waiting for his full retirement benefits. This is a gentleman who had elevated Newtown High School to a blue ribbon standard. A shining star and no inquiry by the board? Bill, let’s sit down and talk? Nothing! Goodbye Bill, don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Is this where our educational attitude is heading? What do we do, start over from step one?

I do take exception to the reporting by Susan Coney. “Several concerned parents and students attended the April 12 meeting of the Board of Education seeking answers.” There were not a few, but an overflow of 66 persons, requiring additional seating to accommodate the crowd. Many of them were quite vocal in their statements and in fact this was probably the largest crowd to attend a Board of Education meeting. Report it the way it was.

Leonard Perrini

18 Split Rock Road, Newtown                                        April 19, 2005