BOE Lack Of Comprehension

Is A Concern

To the Editor:

I have just finished reading John Voket’s article where he gives voice to two candidates running for the Board of Education (BOE), as well as John Kortze, the chairman of the Board of Finance (BOF). As an incumbent member of the BOE running for reelection, I feel a response is necessary.

The clear inability and/or lack of understanding of BOE finances by both Ms Fetchick and Ms Wiedemann is a cause for great concern. Neither seems to understand that the flexibility given to the BOE is the product of Connecticut statues, because unlike their municipal counterparts, BOE members are personally liable for any deficits in the BOE budget.

Mr Kortze’s continued complaint about not getting what he wants brings to mind an old Rolling Stones ballad. Despite four years of trying to enlighten him as to the way the BOE operates, he is either not listening or doesn’t want to hear. It appears he is consistently using this same old “chestnut” to continue his agenda of divisiveness between the BOF and BOE.

This is clearly what the Independent Party of Newtown (IPN) seeks to avoid. “Transparency in Government” applies to all boards and commissions. Cutting a school budget on a vote discussed privately and by e-mail without the benefit of open discussion and deliberation, as the Board of Finance did this year, flies in the face of Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A fiscal authority — the Legislative Council — that concedes its responsibility to act for the taxpayers of Newtown, to an advisory board’s “recommendations,” begs the question as to who is in charge. Long-range planning that considers by the municipal and educational needs, with cooperation between all boards and commissions, is the goal of IPN.

Thinking “out of the box” is standard operating procedure with the current BOE. That is why we are able to maintain high standards in education. The flexibility provided by state law gives the BOE the authority to transfer funds for the benefit of the students, and to provide the services which keep the school system running. The union of PTA/PTOs, parent involvement, and the school employees is the glue that aids to the smooth running of each and every school in our district.

Is there room for improvement? Of course! But criticism should be constructive and not destructive. Let’s start the discussion with an Education Capital Improvement Fund. Put the BOE yearly surplus into a fund to help offset the cost for future BOE capital expenses. (The municipal leaders would have to agree to leave the money for its stated purpose.) It would certainly achieve the same effect that returning the surplus to the town achieves… the decrease in costs to the taxpayer. How about an Educational Foundation that accepts gifts for the benefit of all the schools in Newtown. We should all be working together to achieve a win/win for Newtown through cooperation and not separation.

David Nanavaty

Board of Education Candidate

Independent Part of Newtown

Currituck Road, Newtown                                    September 11, 2007