Education

Newtown Public Schools Will Be Closed Wednesday

By Eliza Hallabeck

Published: May 15, 2018 12:00 am

Due to the storm on Tuesday, Newtown Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, May 16. The district's Central Office will also be closed. The school district made the announcement Tuesday evening.

Head O' Meadow Hosts 'School Of Art' Gallery Night

By Eliza Hallabeck

Published: May 12, 2018 12:00 am

Head O' Meadow Elementary School hosted a night for students and parents to view student artwork created throughout the 2017-18 school year, on April 30. Artwork was on display in the school's lobby a...

BOE Updated On Sports Self-Study

By Eliza Hallabeck

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

The school district's ongoing sports self-study is continuing, and it is expected to be completed around mid-June, according to an update at the Board of Education's meeting on May 1. At its meeting o...

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Eighth Graders Present Graduation Projects

By Eliza Hallabeck

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

Each year, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School eighth graders are challenged to research a topic, create a project, and present the culmination of their work. This year's Eighth Grade Graduation Projects...

Students Unite To Create 'Camp Unified,' An Original Play

By Eliza Hallabeck

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

Newtown High School's Unified Theater program is set to present an original show called Camp Unified on May 19 and May 20, on the stage of Newtown High School's auditorium, 12 Berkshire Road.Camp Unif...

Sandy Hook School Hosts A 'Makerspace Week'

By Eliza Hallabeck

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

Sandy Hook Elementary School celebrated a "Makerspace Week," from April 23 to 28, with activities for both parents and students. A Makerspace Night for parents and students was held on April 24, and t...

NAMM Names Newtown A 'Best Community' For Music Education, For The Tenth Time

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

Newtown has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education ...

Educators Ensure Newtown School Community Is All Atwitter

By Eliza Hallabeck

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

When used appropriately, as Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue said recently, social media can impact education and communication in a positive way.@RodrigueLorrie. She thanked the community...

Newtown Continuing Education Classes, Day Trips Available

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

Newtown Continuing Education has limited openings available in the following classes. Contact Newtown Continuing Education at 203-426-1787, 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday, for further information...

Board Of Education Will Honor 2017-18 Profiles In Professionalism Awardees

Published: May 11, 2018 12:00 am

Newtown Public Schools announced this year's honorees for the 2017-2018 Profiles in Professionalism this week. The awardees will be recognized at the Board of Education's scheduled May 15 meeting, at ...

Hearts Of Hope From Newtown Arrive In California

Newtown Choral Society Planning Inspirational Spring Concert

Hawk Laxmen Pull Off A Couple Of Hard-Fought, Close Victories

Life Is Good Playmaker Project Founder To Speak At Edmond Town Hall

Early Playoff Primer: Girls’ Lacrosse Team Tangles With Tough South-West Conference Foes

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?

Copyright ©2025 The Newtown Bee / All rights reserved