School Board Recognizes Departing Members

By Eliza Hallabeck

Meeting for the final time before three current members of the Board of Education are replaced by newly elected members, the school board took a small portion of its meeting to recognize Independent Party of Newtown member David Nanavaty, Democrat Lillian Bittman, and Republican Andrew Buzzi for their service to the school district.

“We have some things just to thank you for, on behalf of all the children of Newtown,” Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson said, “for the many, many hours of volunteer service.”

Dr Robinson pointed out that since Mr Nanavaty joined the board eight years ago, he has attended roughly 192 board meetings, not including special meetings, negotiations, hearings, and more.

“Andy, you too. You have done this twice,” said Dr Robinson, as she revealed wrapped gifts for each of the three departing members. “The students of Newtown would like to say thank you for your service and hope you will remember the contributions [you made] to this board...”

Ms Bittman received her gift first, and Dr Robinson said, with a hug, “It has been a pleasure.”

To Mr Nanavaty, Dr Robinson said, “Thank you for your sense of humor.”

And to Mr Buzzi, the superintendent said, “We so appreciate you being willing to come back for a second tour of duty.”

Near the end of the meeting, the three departing members took turns speaking to their time on the school board.

Ms Bittman thanked the town, teachers, and school district staff for the opportunity to sit on the board, which she served as chair of for part of her term.

“This has been an honor, and I think our staff is the best in Connecticut,” said Ms Bittman. “And I will continue to support you as a volunteer.”

Mr Nanavaty also said it has been an honor to be on the board. He continued, saying he believes Newtown has the best school district in the state, with students, he said, that continue to exceed expectations.

To the incoming board members, Mr Nanavaty said to keep in mind the BOE serves in the interest of students.

“If you keep that in mind, it doesn’t matter what other people tell you to do,” he said. “If you have children in mind all the time, you are going to make the right decisions.”

In response to Mr Nanavaty’s statement, Mr Buzzi said he believes there is a balance between doing the right thing for students and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

During his tenure on the school board, Mr Buzzi served as the board secretary.

“I wish you all good luck,” said Mr Buzzi, who returned to serve on the BOE when a vacancy opened up following his first departure from the board, “and I am sure you will all have as fine an experience as we have over the years.”

The three newly elected members of the school board— Democrat John Vouros and Republicans Laura Roche and Cody McCubbin— will be sworn into their new roles on Sunday, November 27, according to Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia.