To the Editor,

Many would be surprised to learn that over the last 10 to 15 years Newtown Schools have been falling back in important metrics relative to our peers like Monroe, Southbury, and Trumbull. This is not for lack of funding as state EdSight data shows Newtown often spends more than other districts, but get less return on investment. Monroe and Trumbull for example spend about ten percent less per student, but in many ways manage better results. US News and World Report recently ranked Trumbull and Pomperaug high schools above NHS. The most concerning issues are at the elementary level where too many students are not meeting grade level.

For too long people have refused to acknowledge this trend, obfuscating, or putting their heads in the sand, often while patting themselves on the back. The role of a Board of Education is not to blindly support and affirm, it is to provide oversight and leadership on behalf of Newtown families. We must not be content to celebrate the status quo.

Some try to blame the district receiving more modest increases than requested, but despite the budget season catastrophizing in most years the district still ends up with a surplus. The truth is when a district has more resources (per pupil expenditure), but regresses relative to its neighbors, that is a failure of leadership, not funding (BOE spending is up 23 percent over the same period where enrollment has declined 27 percent).

I am very thankful that over the last term the outgoing Chairwoman Deborra Zukowski and our new Superintendent Chris Melillo have worked to change the culture such that people can ask difficult questions and deliberate, especially when it may be uncomfortable. She has pushed back on the expectation that the BOE prioritize unanimity or be a rubber stamp for items they often have not had sufficient time to review.

Too many times officials, myself included, were privately chastised for questioning decisions or publicly considering alternatives; a practice with a chilling effect on transparency, creativity, and open mindedness. It has not been easy, she has been met with near constant resistance, but she has done yeoman’s work and should be commended.

As she steps away, it is encouraging that we have officials with the courage to be realistic about our deficiencies, view them as opportunities and aspire to improve. For example, on September 19, Board of Education member Todd Higgins impressed me with his comments where he challenged empty statements, naming them for what they were, and advocated for an honest assessment and a plan beyond “we’re working on it.” Students and families deserve that tangible metrics rather than meaningless platitudes.

Blue Ribbon Status is a recognition of progress and achievement. If Newtown aspires to be recognized again it will take honest self-examination, goal setting and continuous improvement. I believe we can get there again, but only if people are willing.

Ryan Knapp

Sandy Hook