Opposition is lining up against ideas that could lead to more regional school districts in the state.
“Wolcott is Wolcott. You can’t touch Wolcott. Our schools here are fantastic,” said Cathy Galipaut of Wolcott.
Galipaut praises Wolcott Public Schools and sees no need to combine with other districts.
“My kids were, had beautiful classes. We’re a family in Wolcott. So I think we should stay that way,” said Galipaut.
Right now at the State Capitol, there are several bills being considered involving school regionalization.
One would potentially require districts to combine based on the number of students in the district.
“I would probably want to keep it local, that would be my decision,” said Staci Charbonneau of Wolcott.
Local
Wolcott’s superintendent and the Board of Education also oppose forcing schools to regionalize.
In a post on Facebook today, Superintendent Tony Gasper wrote in part:
“In Wolcott Public Schools, there is no fat to be cut...no low-hanging fruit to be found that would improve our efficiency or students' school experience.”
Supporters of regionalization believe it could benefit some of the state’s more than 200 districts by saving money through sharing or consolidating services.
Recently Governor Ned Lamont tried to ease concerns of skeptics in Fairfield County.
He explained his plan would only encourage not require partnerships.
“He has an open ear and an open door so I think together we can craft a policy that is more voluntary than forced,” said Jayme Stevenson, R – Darien First Selectman.
You can weigh in on three education plans later this week.
Stop by the public hearing at the Legislative Office Building on Friday at 1 p.m.
