Last night, the Board of Education approved the Westport Public Schools’ $158 million budget for the 2026-27 school year. The result: a 4.98% increase over the current year’s budget. “06880”‘s John H. Palmer reports:
The budget was approved after a motion to reduce the total bottom line by $750,000. It will be replaced with money from the district’s healthcare reserve funds, to keep the full increase below 5 percent.
The budget — if approved as recommended — will contain funding for a new assistant of facilities and security director, a behavioral specialist in the elementary schools. and $95,000 to provide athletic uniforms for high school sports.
The budget now goes to the Board of Finance. It has until late April to conduct workshops and make any changes, before sending it to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for final adoption in May or June.
The unanimous vote came during a busy meeting for the board. The session also included the next step toward forming a building committee to replace Coleytown Elementary School, and the first look for board members and the public of a survey to be distributed to parents, students and staff later this year. It would determine a baseline of how technology is used for instruction and homework.
The board also voted unanimously to recommend forming a building committee to oversee construction of a new Coleytown Elementary School.
In recent years the school has been plagued with progressively worsening structural problems, including humidity control issues and mold, forcing officials to consider whether to renovate the current building or replace it.
Superintendent of school Thomas Scarise said discussions with prospective architects led to the decision to completely rebuild. The project will take several years.
“We have a very positive learning environment and a safe facility, but it is most certainly a building that is aging and we are seeing that,” said Coleytown Principal Safiya Key. “It’s mostly the ceiling, the roof and things that are aesthetic. But we are starting to age in a way that makes the learning environment vulnerable, and we’ve had to displace classrooms based on that.”
The Board of Selectpersons will now oversee the process of forming the building committee.
Coleytown Elementary School
Meanwhile, the board discussed the technology survey — the second of a 3-prong audit process started by the district in October, to explore how to maximize the power of AI in school instruction, while minimizing overall wasted screen time.
The first step was an ongoing technology audit. The next will be to engage teachers and administrators in auditing curriculum materials and instruction tactics to determine how technology is used in the classroom.
The proposed survey will be reviewed by teachers during professional development time February 13. It is expected to be distributed to parents and students after winter break.
Each grade level will have an option to opt out of the paper and pencil survey.
The survey will be given to students in grades 3 and up. K-2 students will not take the survey, but it will be given to those parents with students in those grades.
Once upon a time, the Merritt Parkway had signs like these:
(Photo courtesy of Paul Ehrismann)
They were distinctive. Unique.
And also, I imagine, very dangerous if a car slammed into one.
Of course, once upon a time too — in fact, for decades — the Merritt Parkway had an Exit 42 in Westport.
Both this design and that number are now just memories.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
She has created beautiful, wonderful chocolates. She has provided opportunities through them to thank teachers, first responders and many others, and to raise funds for children in need.
“I lost my father to inoperable brain cancer when I was just 21. Nearly 4 years ago, I flew to India in the middle of the holiday season to be with my mother in India after a breast cancer diagnosis. Today, my older brother is battling cancer. I barely know anyone who isn’t in some way affected by the ravages of this disease.
“A few years back I shaved my head for St. Baldrick’s — not for attention, but in quiet solidarity with children fighting cancer.
“Today, my daughter is raising funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cycle for the Cure in Chicago. Inspired by her act, I just signed up for the Cycle for the Cure ride happening tomorrow (Saturday) at Equinox in Darien.
“As Le Rouge prepares to say goodbye to the town I have called home for over 2 decades, I would like to reach out my community — our community that always shows up and rallies when it really matters.
“I need your help to turn this moment of saying goodbye into something bigger: action, gratitude, and giving back. 10% of February sales at Le Rouge are always donated to charity — this year, to a cause that is deeply personal to me. If you’re able to support or share my fundraising effort, it would mean a great deal.
A new Emergency Medical Technician course begins later this month.
The class begins February 25, and runs through June 22. It meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6;30 to 9:30 p.m., with occasional lab work on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Instructions include traumatic injury management; breathing, cardiac, mental health and pediatric emergencies; childbirth and OB/GYN; EMS operations, and mass casualty incident response.
provides students with the skills to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care for those who are sick or injured. The program meets State of Connecticut guidelines for EMT certification upon successful completion of exams.
Students who pass the exams will earn Connecticut Emergency Medical Technician certification, and be able to join Westport Emergency Medical Services. and the ability to join WVEMS.
In addition, WVEMS is offering a free “Stop the Bleed” class. It’s Thursday, February 12 (7 to 8:45 p.m.).
The #1 cause of a preventable death after an injury is bleeding. The session helps turn bystanders into immediate responders, for emergencies at home or work, or on the road. Click here for details, and registration.
Westport resident Susan Filan — a former prosecutor and MSNBC senior legal analyst — trades the courtroom for a church on Sunday.
She’ll be a special guest at the Saugatuck Congregational Church 10 a.m. worship service. Filan will speak about transformation, purpose, and clarity in moments of disruption.
After decades working in high-pressure legal environments, a near-fatal accident in 2022 upended her legal career.
It sparked a profound wake-up call, reshaping how she understood success, identity, and what truly matters. Today, she brings that experience into conversations about reinvention, meaning, and rebuilding from the inside out.
The public is invited to the service.
Susan Filan
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Love was in the air Wednesday night, at the VFW.
Post 399 hosted Club203 — our town’s social club for adults with disabilities — for their monthly event.
DJ Lev provided the music. Planet Pizza donated pies, and Mo\CA CT helped with great heart creations.
There were smiles all around … and love was in the air.
Club203 member Dylan Curran (left) and VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado enjoy the evening.
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Speaking of the VFW: Sure, next Friday is the 13th.
But you’re in luck, if you head to Post 399. Laughing Gas Comedy and The City’s Backyard Podcast return, after very successful past shows.
The lineup includes Davin, Paul Taro, Autumn Harvist and Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako is the host.
Speaking of ice: Today’s frozen “Westport … Naturally” photo shows one of many scenes like this, all over town. This one is at Susan Alintoff’s Old Hill home.
And finally … Chuck Negron — a founding member of Three Dog Night — died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 83, and suffered from pulmonary disease and heart failure. Click here for a full obituary.
Staples Players has earned well-deserved praise, for launching the careers of many young actors.
But Music Theatre of Connecticut plays an important “role,” too. It’s based now just over the border in Norwalk. But its Westport roots run deep.
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung reports on the award-winning non-profit professional company.
Music Theatre of Connecticut was co-founded by Kevin Connors (now executive director) and Jim Schilling (the current managing director).
Since 1987 they’ve produced and directed — and sometimes starred in — a swirl of plays and musicals for every conceivable audience.
That’s in addition to running a popular conservatory, for children and adults on the side. Classes — for those as young as kindergarten — cover acting (including TV and film), musical theater, improv, dance and voice. There is a special “college prep” program too.
MTC offers a variety of classes for young actors.
MTC began at Fairfield’s Andrew Warde High School nearly 40 years ago. Their first play, “Ebenezer!,” was “a twist on ‘A Christmas Carol,’” Kevin says. “It has an Ivan Boesky character” — appropriate for the time.
They soon built a sliver of a theater in the lower level of Westport’s Colonial Green. With seating for only 47, the space felt intimate to both performers and playgoers. That immediacy has been an MTC hallmark ever since.
Kevin Connors
On that tiny stage Connors and Schilling re-imagined shows of all sizes — even large ones — while reducing casts to 14 at most.
They produced shows like “Evita” and “Ragtime” with dexterity and confidence, and one of the best productions of “The Fantasticks” I’ve ever seen (Schilling was excellent as the eccentric Mortimer).
Audience could purchase beer or wine, and drink during performances (they still do). This was thrilling, at a time when Broadway theaters prohibited pretty much everything but breath mints and epi-pens.
Soon MTC was “exploding” out of their beloved micro-theatre. The founders searched for larger spaces.
After 13 years they found their current spot: a former kitchen cabinet warehouse at 509 Westport Avenue in Norwalk. They built a black box theater. Just about the only drawback: It’s a bit tricky to find.
In this space, Connors and Schilling have nurtured talent like composer Justin Paul (“he could never walk by a piano without playing it”). They cast Broadway veterans such as Adam Pascal and Joanna Gleason, and developed both new shows and standard favorites.
They expanded seating to 110 seats, due to growing demand. But they’ve maintained their signature cozy, personal theater experience.
MTC works with A Better Chance of Westport students, and developmentally challenged adults through STAR. Children from the Norwalk Housing Authority are invited to 2 annual 8-week workshops. They stage shows for their parents, in a partnership funded by corporations and the state of Connecticut.
Today, Connors and Schilling are expanding again, creating a shared space for audiences. They purchased empty ballet studios next door. The lobby is now a gathering spot for play-goers to sip cocktails, enjoy snacks, and mingle.
MTC lobby.
They’re also tearing down walls; adding an 80-seat cabaret, rehearsal studios and additional dressing rooms, and making empty spaces available to dance companies such as Dance Collective.
“I’m really hell-bent on this — anything we can do to form a community for our donors, our subscribers, with other organizations,” Connors says. “So much of what we do is about community.”
And — first in Westport, now Norwalk — that community has been nurtured, ever since Ivan Boesky was a household name, and Justin Paul wunknown.
With an enormous amount of snow, and temperatures remaining well below freezing, cleaning up from the January 25 storm was difficult.
Plowed, congealed piles made walking and parking difficult downtown.
So on Tuesday night, SCA Crowley — led by vice president Maxx Crowley, president of the Westport Downtown Association — joined forces with Westport’s Department of Public Works team.
SCA spent 3 hours on Main Street removing snow.
It was then hauled away by DPW director Peter Ratkiewich’s crew, led by superintendent Joe Izzo and crew captain Dave Smith. Public Works followed up by salting roads and sidewalks.
It’s much easier to park now — which means it’s far easier to drive and walk, too. Thanks to all who helped!
One view of the Main Street cleanup …
… and another. (Hat tip and photos/Andrew Colabella)
“Your State, Your Business” — a 3-part event bringing 3 of Connecticut’s constitutional officers to Westport to discuss issues regarding the state and how they relate to business (and residents) is coming to town.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library are collaborating on the series.
It kicks off on March 5 with Comptroller Sean Scanlon. Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas follows on March 19. Attorney General William Tong is the final speaker, April 2. All sessions begin at 11 a.m.
Each event includes a presentation by the officer, a moderated discussion, and questions from the audience. It’s free, but registration is required.
Adria Petty — a noted producer and music video director — will be at the Westport Library on March 28 (3 p.m.). She’ll discuss her father’s legacy, with music and technology pioneer Sam Hendel.
Petty works as a managing partner at the Tom Petty estate with her family and the remaining members of Tom Petty’s band and operations team, preserving their archive of 40 years of American music.
She has directed videos for recording artists like Beyonce, Coldplay and Rihanna. She has also done commercial spots for brands such as Lancôme, Target, Converse, Hershey’s, McDonald’s and more.
The Westport Astronomical Society is introducing a new STEM opportunity for students in grades 9-12. It’s run through the Northeast Occultation Network (NEON).
Participants will learn to operate telescopes, observe and capture astronomical data from asteroid occultations, and contribute to professional astronomy research under the training of astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Green of the University of New Haven.
Students will work with the WAS team to collect, analyze and submit research-grade data to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
So when alert “06880” reader Chris Grimm sent me a video clip about Gryphon (click here), I had to ask for details.
Turns out that’s his dog. He competes in agility.
His partner — Chris’, not Gryphon’s — handles the dog during runs. The Westminster Kennel Club hosts a big agility trial — the Westminster Masters Agility Championship — which ended Tuesday night.
Gryphon’s Standard run begins at the 12:00 mark in the video below.
Chris reports: “He froze a bit at the weave polls and Leslie took a spill by the tunnel, but Gryphon did a great job of finishing.”
In the video below, Gryphon’s jumpers run starts after 12:30. “Except for wandering off to say hello, it was a good run,” Chris says. “I can’t believe he got his Q for that.
The founder of Westport Writers’ Workshop, and noted memoir and creative nonfiction workshop instructor, has just practiced what she preaches.
Her new memoir, “West End Avenue,” has just been published.
Amazon describes it:
A young girl’s world is upended when her divorced mother of 3 marries a widowed father of 4.
Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this evocative memoir traces the uneasy transformation of a blended household – where strangers become siblings bound by shared trauma, quiet acts of loyalty, and the unspoken bonds forged in childhood.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Conaway was this week’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker. Among his topics: the growing role of robotics in his specialty.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between January 28 and February 3.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with interfering with an officer, following a complaint that he verbally threated an employee at Whole Foods. He fled, but was located nearby, and taken into custody based on repeated resistance to requests to stay away from the store.
A 64-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny and criminal trespass, following an investigation into the theft of $110.31 of energy drinks from Stop & Shop. He had been formally warned earlier not to return to the store. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 53-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with failure to appear, after panhandling on the I-95 northbound ramp. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with failure to appear, after being held in Pennsylvania on an unrelated matter. He was held on a $15,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 14 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11
Failure to renew registration: 11
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Failure to obey stop sign: 7
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding in a school zone, 2nd offense: 1
Speeding in a school zone: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Improper turn: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Violation of readable license plates: 1
Failure to return license plates: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Lots of license plate citations recently. That’s no laughing matter.
And finally … in honor of Tom Petty’s daughter’s appearance at VersoFest (story above):
(From dog shows to outer space, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you’re a part of our online community — and you’re reading this, so you are — please click here to support us. Thanks!)
For over 2 years, the renovation of Long Lots Elementary School was one of Westport’s most controversial issues.
Since June — when the Long Lots School Building Committee received unanimous approval from every town board and commission to move ahead with the design development, construction documents and construction of the new Long Lots and Stepping Stones Preschool project — we’ve heard very little.
Long Lots Elementary School — as it looks now …
But that does not mean nothing’s happening.
Yesterday, the LLSBC issued an update.
They said they have met with neighbors to review the first phase of the project. Once construction actually begins, they promise “more frequent updates.”
The project has been broken into 5 phases for state approvals. This will allow the geothermal drilling portion of the project to begin, while construction documents for the new building are in process.
“This will allow the construction manager the space to better stage the project,” the committee says.
… and one look at the future …
They note that the 5 phases of state approvals will not always align with the construction schedule. Those phases are:
Geothermal wells (underway): Approved by the state Office of School Construction to go out for bids last August. A contractor was selected.
The area has been fenced; construction trailers and temporary electric service has been installed; the lower soccer fields have been stripped in anticipation of drilling, and topsoil has been screened.
Drilling and installation of the geothermal wells is currently taking place on the lower soccer fields. Each of the 100 wells is 500 feet deep. Eighty have already been drilled. Completion is expected next month.
Pre-purchase of electrical switchgear and generator (underway): Approved by the state Office of School Construction to go out for bids last September. A contractor was selected.
The generator and electrical switchgear are being purchased early, to avoid nationwide supply chain delays of up to 17 months. This equipment will be installed during the construction of the new school.
… plus another.
Construction of the new Long Lots Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool (next): Construction documents have been reviewed by the state Office of School Construction, and were released for bid in December.
Received bids will be evaluated in March. It is anticipated that construction will begin in April, with excavation for footings and foundations.
Furniture, fixtures and equipment: This will be submitted to the state for approval in late 2026. All furnishings will be new, and purpose-designed for the school. Delivery will align with the end of the new school construction. It is anticipated that no student-related equipment will be moved from the current building.
Demolition of the old school; construction of parking lots, athletic fields and Playgrounds(Late 2027; into 2028): Demolition of the current school will begin after the new one is occupied. Playgrounds, parking lots and athletic fields will follow the demolition of the old school.
The LLSBC notes that the upcoming bid process will help establish a more defined construction timeline.
Long Lots site plans.
The committee expects to meet with the Board of Education, and the faculties of Stepping Stones and Long Lots, to review the interior finishes in mid-February.
The LLSBC plans to have another neighborhood update prior to the start of the new building construction.
They will provide the Architectural Review Board with an update, followed by a town-wide project presentation in late February.
(For the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the Westport town website, click here.)
(“06880” keeps a close eye on Long Lots — and all our schools. If you appreciate our coverage of education — and/or anything else on your hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Pete Romano — a son of Saugatuck, proud Staples High School graduate, lover of Westport, hands-on volunteer, philanthropist, guiding force behind the LandTech engineering and land use firm, and a link between our town’s past, present and future — died last night.
A full obituary will be posted soon. He was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Pete Romano, in his native Saugatuck.
I was honored to consider Pete a friend.
Of course, I was just part of a very long, and extremely varied, list of friends. A typical Pete production — his LandTech holiday party — was filled with everyone you could think of: business associates, clients, town officials, sports figures, random folks from every part of Westport life.
Pete greeted us all as if we were the only person in the crowded room. When he asked “How are you doing?” he really listened to the answer. He got everyone a drink, personally. And then he introduced every person to someone they didn’t know, but who was also part of Pete’s world.
Pete Romano was the ultimate people person. There can be no greater tribute than the number of people whose lives he touched — even the few he did not know.
In 2016, Pete Romano participated in Elderhouse’s “Dancing with the Stars” benefit. He raised over $15,000 for the adult day care center.
In 2006, as head boys soccer coach at Staples High, I led a project to “terrace the hill” at Loeffler Field.
Pete donated his time, energy and expertise to the project — as he had to so many others over the years, and continued to do for years thereafter.
He provided the engineering. He sourced the 10 tons of granite from Gault (at a very good price). He oversaw the process.
And he waved off every bit of thanks. “It’s for the kids. It’s what they deserve,” he said quietly.
Generations of players and fans have benefited from that project. It was small potatoes to Pete; he did things like that every day, all his life.
But it was Pete Romano, to the core.
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In 2019, Jeff Seaver nominated Pete Romano for our “06880” Unsung Hero feature. He had been friends, and worked with, Pete for 7 years. Jeff’s words are as appropriate now as they were then.
Walking around town with Pete Romano is like going for a stroll with the mayor: folks say hello everywhere he goes. Pete’s well known not just for his expertise in running Landtech — an engineering and environmental firm on Riverside Avenue — but also for his community service. His reputation spans generations.
His father, PJ Romano, grew up in Westport. He was a PAL volunteer for almost 50 years. The athletic field behind Saugatuck Elementary School is named for him, honoring his role in developing PAL’s football, baseball, wrestling and other programs, including the ice rink at Longshore.
Pete’s mom, Joan Romano, still volunteers with PAL. That spirit continues, as Pete maintains a strong family tradition of service.
Pete played baseball and football at Staples High School. His mom recalls that Pete “would knock a player down, but then afterward, stop to help pick them up.”
Working with his longtime friend and partner at Saugatuck Sweets, Al DiGuido, Pete is one of the forces behind DiGuido’s legendary Al’s Angels charity. Last year, Pete helped organize and oversee over 2,500 holiday meals to help those in need.
Pete Romano (left) with his mother Joan, and Al DiGuido, at Saugatuck Sweets.
Al DiGuido said, “I have never thought of Pete Romano as a hero. I doubt he regards himself that way. He just has a tireless passion for doing the heavy lifting for those in need, which inspires me and so many others.
“Pete doesn’t seem to need or want the spotlight. He’s not looking for trophies, awards or accolades. I think he does this because it’s in his DNA. His family has always been committed to doing all they could to help the community. Some are content to sit on the sidelines, but Pete gets his hands dirty doing the hard work that is truly needed.”
But Pete has a superhero alter ego. Every Christmas he plays Santa Claus. He arrives on a Westport Police patrol boat at Saugatuck Center, lighting the tree and entertaining kids.
Here comes Pete — er, Santa Claus!
His good works could fill a book. They include being a major contributor to the renovation of the Westport Weston Family YMCA, and helping sponsor events for the American Cancer Society, Project Return, Elderhouse, Operation Hope, Westport Rotary, Little League Softball, plus many other local causes.
Bill Mitchell has been a pal of Pete’s for many years. They support many of the same causes, including Operation Hope and Project Runway. Bill notes, “Pete and his family have been a gift to our community.”
Steve Smith, Westport’s building inspector, said, “Pete Romano is a successful community leader who is generous and always willing to help out a community cause. He has given his time to our town unselfishly — and always with his characteristically great sense of humor.”
Phil Cerrone, an architect who has partnered in a number of efforts with Pete’s firm, said, “Pete is one of the most caring and considerate people I know. He can always be relied on to help a friend in need. Just as important, he can also be counted on to supply top quality food and drink!”
One of Pete’s most treasured causes is Wakeman Town Farm. Pete often joins with his friend, architect Peter Wormser, scooping ice cream at the Farm’s special events.
Pete Romano and Peter Wormser, at Wakeman Town Farm.
Pete always has time for Westport schools. He and his firm helped create the night lights at the Staples High School football field, the fields at Bedford Middle School, and the Loeffler Field terrace (granite seating on the soccer field hill).
He is a generous supporter of Staples sports teams, Staples Players and middle school theater productions, the Staples robotics team, and more.
Pete’s firm collaborates with Gault Energy on many projects. Gault family members are effusive in their praise. Ginger Gault and Jimmy Donaher say, “He has keen insight to go along with a big heart, and on top of everything else, he’s hysterically funny. Pete is the complete package.”
He is especially proud of his 2 daughters. They went through the Westport School System, and are now smart, vibrant, strong women. Pete said, “They got the best public education one could dream of. How do you ever repay that debt?”
Pete Romano
Pete celebrated a birthday recently. As with many hard-working and generous folks, one of the hardest challenge is figuring out what to give them.
What do you give a man like Pete Romano who does not have everything, but gives everything?
The only answer is: love and genuine appreciation for all that he does.
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The unanimous vote came during a busy meeting for the board. The session also included the next step toward forming a building committee to replace Coleytown Elementary School, and the first look for board members and the public of a survey to be distributed to parents, students and staff later this year. It would determine a baseline of how technology is used for instruction and homework.
