Parents, Teachers and the BOE Are Passionate and Dedicated in these Tough Economic Times

Superintendant Hamlet Hernandez’s key word in describing his proposed budget is “compression.”  He explained, “No programs have been cut, only compressed.”

The budget currently proposed has an increase of $1,756,381 or 3.68 percent.  Branford’s student population is changing and students have more needs whether it be ELL students or special education needs. In fact, ,  and schools are all Title One schools now. Hernandez did remind those in attendance that it is the job of the public school to meet all those needs. Ninety percent of the proposed budget stems from salary, benefits, and tuition.

A few key comments that surfaced from many of the RTM members and members dealt with the teachers’ BEA  contract that is at its highest this year. Some suggested that teachers should be asked to give concessions back to the town so that the possibility of 16 teachers and staff losing their jobs might be reduced. Hernandez made it very clear that the teachers have not been asked to reopen their contract.

Board of Finance member, Jennifer Aniskovich commented that she is concerned a lot of good people are being lost and payment for existing staff seems to be an exorbitant amount of money. 

Some questioned the step policy of how teachers are paid according to their years teaching and if merit was involved in the raise given to a teacher at each step.  It is not.  Others asked to see statistics on how well our students are performing on standardized tests. 

On an online community input requested by Hernandez parents chose curriculum and instruction to be their top choice where money should be directed.

However for Sliney parents, they would now tell you their most important concern in this budget process is holding onto one of their most valued teachers and role model. 

John B Sliney PTA president, Christy Lamberton, explained, “we are here to support the budget that the BOE is requesting specifically so we can keep Mr. Imperati in place as a full time gym teacher.”

At the start of Thursday night’s meeting about 40 parents and a dozen staff members  poured into the Canoe Brook Senior Center in the hopes that by speaking to the Board of Education, the Board of Finance and many RTM members it might save Marco Imperati his full-time job at Sliney from a possible budget cut. 

One Board of Finance member however quickly pointed out that it is not the job of the Finance Board to decide who or what gets cut; they are only to approve a dollar amount. 

Fourth grade teacher Tom Salvin acknowledged this fact and explained that this was Sliney’s first opportunity to express their opinion since they became aware of the possible reduction in Imperati’s job. 

Because Imperati is the last physical education teacher hired in the town of Branford, his job would be the first to be cut if the Board allows for the suggested .5 reduction of a gym teacher at Walsh Intermediate School.  A Walsh gym teacher would move over to Sliney to teach full- time while Imperati would have a part-time job at Walsh. 

As many who spoke of support of Imperati, they believe the dollar should not rule every decision made by the board and to think of the impact the loss of a role model and impassioned teacher would have on the students of Sliney who have faced some difficult experiences this year. 

Former Sliney parent, Leon Collins, noted that students have faced the death of a teacher, and the sickness of a fellow student and two teachers.  They are also facing a new principal who is to be hired for the following school year.  In his opinion, Imperati is number one in the hearts of students and teachers. 

Sliney parent, Nancy Kendrick, brought with her a petition signed by over 160 teachers and parents, current and former, who all commented on what an amazing teacher Imperati is and what a loss Sliney would face if they lost him.

The Board of Finance will present its budget to the RTM on Monday night.  Parents and the community are encouraged to attend budget meetings because the presented budget will surely continue to face scrutiny and changes.