Some Questions For The

School Board

To the Editor:

In the spirit of honesty and transparency regarding the consultant report [“Consultant Questions Tax Status of Owner-Operators,” The Newtown Bee, 6/3/11] obtained by The Newtown Bee — Questions for the Board of Ed:

 1. Why was New Milford not included in consultant’s report? We always hear of New Milford being compared to Newtown.

2. Why do some towns show 4 hours and we have 6½? Do they have fewer schools, fewer students, or less road mileage? Or do they just charge extra for the other 2½ hours and the 4-hour figure is just their base number?

3. How were comparison town chosen? Greenwich is the only Fairfield County town. Most towns are not even close to our size.

4. Why was the report turned over to the superintendent in January, yet not released to BOE until The Bee placed FOI request? Or was it?

5. Why was the BOE (who we elected) not the ones to decide on the wording for bidders of the transportation contract?

6. Why would Ron Bienkowski be so against waiving the performance bond and leveling the playing field for our owner-operators who have proven for over 70 years that they will be there?

7. What will the BOE do if the same scenario happens as New Milford where they had a strike and an increase?

8. Will we be able to get the owner-operator system back if we let them go?

9. What is not included in the daily rates that will be added? Are the extra charges the same for all?

10. How was the savings of approximately $500,000 that Ron Bienkowski reported to The Bee figured before the bids are in? How did he come up with this figure?

As a parent of children on the buses and a taxpayer, please respond with answers.

Many thanks

Lesley Pearson

14 Bridle Path Trail, Newtown                                    June 15, 2011