It’s early September.
Kids (and staff) have been back in school for over a week.
The Board of Education is back in action too.
They’ve got a full plate this year. (Though I can’t imagine any year when they don’t.)
Among the items to tackle: elementary school redistricting.
Last night, at the BOE meeting in the Staples High School cafeteria, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice was expected to address that topic.
The timeline he planned to propose includes:
- September 19: First presentation of options by demographer Mike Zuba, for public discussion
- October: Continued public discussion
- Winter/spring: Review
- Summer/fall 2025: Phase I implementation (for Bedford Middle School feeder schools).
Scarice was expected to note that redistricting is driven by resources, not finances.
While there is no “crisis,” there is a need to “modestly rebalance” the elementary schools, due to enrollment influxes seen since the pandemic. Officials also expect an enrollment spike at Long Lots, following construction of a new building.
Among the criteria Scarice listed in prepared remarks:
- Adherence to natural boundaries; keeping neighborhoods together “to the greatest extent possible.”
- Prioritizing proximity (minimizing travel distances, where possible)
- Minimizing student disruption “to the greatest extent possible.”
In addition, Scarice was expected to say, no student will be redistricted more than once (unless the family moves).
“Grandfathering” 5th graders will be considered, based on capacity and “operational considerations.
A new Long Lots Elementary School is expected to drive enrollment in that district. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Enrollment figures prepared for last night’s meeting show that as of August 30, the Westport Public Schools had 5,210 students in grades K-12. That’s 73 fewer than called for in budget projections.
That number will change. A second report will be provided after the October 1 to present numbers to the state Department of Education.
At the elementary schools, Coleytown had 37 fewer students than projected, meaning one less kindergarten section than budgeted for.
Greens Farms has 8 fewer students than projected, with one less 1st grade section.
Kings Highway also has 8 fewer students than projected, but no changes in the number of sections (24).
Long Lots has 13 fewer students than projected, but maintains 29 sections.
Saugatuck has 1 more student than projected. Based on disbursement of students, additional sections have been added at grades 3 and 4.
Saugatuck is the only elementary school to see an increase in enrollment this year. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The 2 middle schools saw a total decrease of 16 students, while Staples High has 8 more students than projected. The largest classes are freshman and junior.
As of August 30, assistant superintendent John Bayers was to report to the BOE, Westport Public Schools have hired nearly 60 new staff members. Interviews were continuing, to fill remaining vacancies.
The new hires include 27 certified staff members, 3 of whom are administrators.
That’s a decrease of 21 certified staff from last year, though 5 vacancies remained.
The 30-plus non-certified staff include paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, and building and long-term substitutes.
The district also welcomes 5 interns, and 19 student teachers.
Scarice was expected to make a presentation to the Board of Education on the “No Place for Hate” program.
Run in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, it’s a district-wide effort to address bias, bullying and hate speech.
Coleytown Middle School faculty member Faith Sweeney will serve as the district’s program coordinator.
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