How The School Board Can Reconnect To The Public

By CURT CLARK

Published: Oct 03, 2003 12:00 am

To the Editor:

I am a candidate for the Newtown Board of Education and believe our board and school administration can and must do a better job of managing our total educational system and process. Of late, we have all been aware of the considerable lack of trust and support the board has received from the general public across a broad front of activities. For the most part this lack of support has considerable foundation.

In this open letter I propose to the board a number of specific actions that can go a long way in healing the boardâs relationship to the public.

1. Do not expect citizens to stand at meetings. I have attended meetings where citizens had to stand for hours. This should not be.

2. Do not conduct meetings where interested citizens have to stand in the hall outside the meeting room because the room itself is too small.

3. Ensure that all attendees can see the publicâs business being conducted.

4. Ensure that all attendees can hear the publicâs business being conducted.

5. Begin the use of a public address system so that all comments can be heard â BOE members and school administrators by the public.

6. Schedule meetings in more appropriately sized rooms such as school auditoriums.

7. Schedule a meeting on a regular basis whose only purpose is to hear questions and comments from the public on educational issues with no other agenda items.

Our board must take action to reconnect itself to the public. The BOE cannot continue to conduct the publicâs business in a way that is not respectful of the publicâs rights to be heard and to hear and see its business being conducted on its behalf. It has been said and written that our board is aloof, imperial, has lost its credibility, and is disconnected from the public. I believe that they can and should take action along the lines I have recommended in order to begin the healing process.

As a candidate for the BOE I stand for actions such as I have outlined above in addition to many others. As a seated member I will do all that I can to make them a reality.

Sincerely,

Paul Mangiafico

15 Kent Road, Newtown Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â September 29, 2003

Mother’s Day Tribute To Support Migrating Birds At Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

Sourdough Class At St Rose, May 4

Interfaith Council Learns About Local Substance Abuse Recovery Efforts

Hearts Of Hope From Newtown Arrive In California

Newtown Choral Society Planning Inspirational Spring Concert

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

While I respect the outcome of the referendum, I’m disappointed by the way this budget was presented and passed. A 6.72% tax increase and a mill rate jump to 28.78 may have been framed as “just a few dollars a day,” but for many families in town — especially those already stretched thin — those “few dollars” add up quickly. It’s frustrating to see large increases minimized in this way, and I worry that next year we’ll hear, “It’s only a little more than last year,” as if that justifies an ongoing trend of rising taxes. This year’s combined municipal and education budgets total over $141 million — that’s a significant sum.

Everything Passes: Budgets, Capital Projects Referendum Results In

All of the referendums deserve to be pasted. We have a history of deferring needed maintenance and then paying more years later. These are required to keep our town owned building and roads in working condition.

Vote “Yes” To Question #5 On Referendum

Every vote matters and that’s exactly why it’s important to recognize that voting No on a proposed budget is not a vote against Newtown, but rather a vote for accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Last year, when voters rejected the education budget in its first round, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it resulted in a reduced spending plan that ultimately passed. That outcome showed that our voices can and do make a difference. Voting “No” is one of the few tools residents have to encourage our town leaders to re-evaluate spending, find creative solutions, and prioritize needs over wants. So yes, please vote on April 22—but don’t be afraid to vote “No” if you believe we can do better. Last year’s vote proved that when residents speak up, real changes can follow.

Get Out And Vote

Breaking the tax increase down to a “cost per day” may make it sound more palatable, but it minimizes the real impact these increases have—especially on those already struggling with rising costs across the board. A dollar here and a dollar there adds up, and for many families, it's not just about the price of a cup of coffee—it's about stretching every dollar to cover groceries, fuel, healthcare, and housing. A 6.72% property tax increase is significant, regardless of how it’s framed. Saying “it’s only $1.13 a day” overlooks the fact that for some residents, every expense matters. Just because costs are rising doesn’t mean the burden should automatically fall on taxpayers without exploring real efficiencies, cost savings, or long-term planning. We need to prioritize fiscal responsibility and find smarter ways to manage our town’s needs without assuming residents can or should absorb another round of tax hikes.

Is Our Community Worth $1.67 Per Day?

<< Apr 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
30	31	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	1	2	3

Log In

How The School Board Can Reconnect To The Public

Leave a Reply Cancel reply