Greenwich Board of Education Scrambling to Find $4.5 Million in Budget Savings:
The Greenwich Board of Education is facing a significant budget crunch following the Board of Estimate and Taxation’s (BET) decision to reduce the proposed schools spending plan by $4,048,621. With additional expenses, such as salaries for previously town-funded positions and an anticipated 18th pre-K class, the district must find $4.5 million in savings. One potential solution under consideration is changing school start times around the district.
Proposed School Start Time Changes
During a BOE Budget Committee meeting, members discussed the possibility of making bus routes more efficient and reducing the number of buses needed in the morning by 23. This could be achieved by changing school start times as follows:
- Greenwich High School: 7:30 a.m. (from 8:30 a.m.)
- Western, Central, and Eastern Middle Schools: 8:05 a.m. (from 8 a.m.)
- Hamilton Avenue School, Julian Curtiss School, and New Lebanon School: 8:30 a.m. (from 8:15 a.m.)
- Parkway School: 9 a.m. (from 8:45 a.m.)
- Remaining elementary schools: 8:55 a.m. (from 8:45 a.m.)
These changes could result in around $2.5 million in savings, according to Chief Financial Officer Ben Branyan.
Community Reaction and Considerations
The proposed changes to school start times have sparked debate within the community. Board member Kathleen Stowe expressed her concern about the current budget situation, acknowledging the need for discussion. BOE secretary Laura Kostin noted the potential complications for work schedules and child care coordination, but felt it was necessary to consider all options.
Budget Committee Chair Cody Kittle emphasized the need for the board to make deliberate decisions and find a balance between minimizing classroom impact and maximizing savings.
Impacts on Individuals and the World
For individuals, the proposed school start time changes could mean adjusting work schedules and child care arrangements. This may be a significant inconvenience, particularly for families with multiple children attending different schools.
On a larger scale, these changes could have implications for the education system as a whole. Some studies suggest that later school start times can lead to improved academic performance and better health outcomes for teenagers. However, the potential savings must be weighed against the potential negative consequences for students and their families.
Conclusion
The Greenwich Board of Education is under pressure to find $4.5 million in budget savings following the BET’s reduction to the proposed schools spending plan. One potential solution is changing school start times around the district to make bus routes more efficient and reduce the number of buses needed in the morning. These changes could result in around $2.5 million in savings but may bring complications for work schedules and child care coordination. The board is continuing to discuss potential reductions and will keep the community informed as they work to find a solution.
Ultimately, the decision will involve trade-offs, and the board must carefully consider the impacts on students, families, and the broader education system. The situation underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the school district, the town, and the community as they navigate the challenges of budgeting for education in the 21st century.
