Tag: board of education

Teachers openly speak out about school schedule

Heather Wirkus misses the emotional connection she makes with her students in person, however believes safety is more important as of right now.

November 6, 2020

As COVID-19 cases have begun to rise in Fairfield County, the Westport Public School system has been nervously awaiting the news of whether or not the schedule will remain hybrid, go fully remote, or eventually...

Board of Education eliminates April break for 2020 school year

The Board of Education voted to cancel April vacation for the 2019-20 school year. Students will continue doing online lessons through the district Distance Learning model on April 6 through April 9. There will be no virtual teaching on Good Friday, April 10.

March 25, 2020

The Board of Education voted to cancel four days of the Westport Public School spring recess during a special meeting held virtually via Zoom on March 23. The vote was unanimous with member Vik Muktavaram...

BOE votes to remove the Innovation Fund

March 3, 2020

The Board of Education (BOE) voted 5-2 to remove the Innovation Fund funding for the 2020-21 school year in a 5-2 vote during their meeting on Feb. 10 to reduce the budget and because of the lack of applicants. The...

School Start Time Committee presents unanimous agreement for 8:00 a.m. Staples start time

The Westport School Start Time Committee unanimously agreed to push back start times for Westport Public Schools by 30 minutes.

January 14, 2020

The Westport School Start Time Committee presented the unanimous agreement on Jan. 13 to move start times for Staples High School to 8:00 a.m., start times for the middle schools and Saugatuck Elementary...

Error in 2020 calendar planning raises questions

January 5, 2020

2019 municipal election reminds us of the importance of local politics

Municipal elections may not garner as much attention as those at a national scale, but participation is just as, if not more so, important.

October 24, 2019

There is no doubt that next year’s presidential election will be monumental. For many, November of 2020 will serve either as a testament to the resilience of our democracy or an indication of the failures...

Board of Education examines redistricting for elementary, middle schools

Due to the construct on Coleytown Middle School due to the mold, the BoE has considered redistricting areas to help balance the amount of students at the schools as Westport’s enrollment is declining.

October 8, 2019

The Westport Board of Education (BOE) discussed plans to redistrict the elementary and middle schools at a meeting on Sept. 23. Although redistricting would balance out the recent decrease in enrollment...

Palmer continues to receive transportation benefits, salary while on medical leave

Dr. Colleen Palmer announced her resignation on March 14. Until Aug. 1, Palmer will continue to receive her annual base salary, insurance benefits and transportation allowance.

May 2, 2019

Superintendent Dr. Colleen Palmer will continue to receive her annual base salary and insurance benefits while on leave for medical reasons until her retirement on Aug. 1. Palmer will additionally be receiving...

Board of Education appoints Anthony Buono Acting Superintendent of Schools

Assistant Superintendent Anthony Buono (middle) will serve as Acting Superintendent while current Superintendent Colleen Palmer is on a leave of absence due to a medical emergency. Buono will hold the position until an interim or official Superintendent is hired.

April 8, 2019

The Board of Education (BOE) voted unanimously (7-0) to appoint former Assistant Superintendent Anthony Buono as the Acting Superintendent of the Westport Public School District on April 8. Buono will...

Board of Education discusses Coleytown Middle School proposals, improvements

Board of Education Vice Chair Jeannie Smith voices her sentiments to BoE members about the proposals of creating a new purpose for Coleytown Middle School.

April 3, 2019

The Board of Education (BoE) met to discuss improvements for Coleytown Middle School and propose possible redistricting for the Westport school system on Monday, April 1. The Board of Education’s...

Palmer announces retirement

Dr. Colleen Palmer announced her resignation after three years as superintendent of Westport Public Schools.

March 15, 2019

Superintendent Dr. Colleen Palmer announced on March 14 that she will retire on Aug. 1. “The district is in a time right now where it can be handed over to another superintendent, and I...

State of the Town Address clarifies Coleytown plans, future of Staples

Earlier last year, First Selectman Jim Marpe spoke during the State of the Town Meeting on Feb. 10, expressing positivity in the overall condition of town and schools.

March 1, 2019

First Selectman Jim Marpe spoke at the State of the Town meeting on Feb. 10 at the Town Hall to discuss fiscal challenges, multi-family housing developments and Coleytown Middle School (CMS), among other...

Board of Ed votes 5 to 2 to approve SRO

March 28, 2018

By Kaya Leitner '19 In light of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida and the Feb. 27 Shelter in Place at Staples High School due to a student’s violent threat, the Westport Board of Education...

Load more stories