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The Granby
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE AVON, CT PERMIT NO. 466
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Published by Citizens for a Better Granby
Volume L, No. 3 • November 2019
www.granbydrummer.com
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2019 Board of Education Forum Recap By Maddie Kidd, Kaite Simpson, Catherine Mydosh, Sophie Austin, Ellie Fiorentino On Sept. 24, at 7 p.m., a Board of Education Forum was conducted in the Granby Memorial High School Auditorium by Mr. Dombrowski’s Honors Civics Class. The candidates who participated in the forum were Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Lynn Guelzow, Rosemarie Weber, Monica Logan, Christine Peaslee, and David Peling. These candidates discussed topics including school budget, equity, superintendent process, relations with town boards, and school safety. Throughout the forum, the candidates agreed upon several topics regarding musical literacy and foreign languages at the elementary level, prioritization of extracurriculars, rigor of curriculum, and the superintendent hiring process. However, there were discrepancies in some areas of discussion. was universal Pre-K. Select candidates believed that in an ideal society, with an unlimited budget, this should be offered, while others disagreed and felt that it should never be offered. Emery articulated that she would be “very surprised if the board doesn’t look to the state for federal guidance in getting an education for the kids.” She also connected this
issue to the implementation of full day kindergarten, saying “we thought then we couldn’t afford it, but now that we have it, I don’t think anyone up here or running for board of education would want to remove full day kindergarten.” Following this, Guelzow stated that the board needs to support the programs already in place and use the available money to expand existing programs before launching additional programs such as universal pre-K. On the discussion of supporting students who are looking to jump into vocational studies directly following high school rather than college, Logan particularly articulated her viewpoint. In an interview directly following the forum, she stated, “I think it’s very important to start a little younger than high who are looking for something else.” While other candidates generally agreed with Logan’s statement, none shared the same emphasis. She adamantly encouraged improvement in communication between employers looking for vocational workers and students. Other candidates, including Fiorentino and Emery, stated that there are programs and opportunities for these students, yet agreed with Logan that improvement is necessary. Furthermore, Guelzow expressed similar views on the need for improvements, and hopes
Forum Recap cont’d. on p. 3
GMHS Performing Arts presents James and the Giant Peach Granby Memorial High School Performing Arts is pleased to announce its fall production of James and the Giant Peach on Nov. 7 and 8, at 7 p.m. and Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. Tickets for the production are $10 for seniors and students, $12 for adults
Inside Granby Land Trust Art Show 17
Runner Lizzy Cappelli ....... 27
Granby Ed. Foundation...... 23
Cossitt Library History ...... 28
Farewell to the fleeting fall foliage Photographer Jay Harder captured this brilliant autumn scene in Granville, Mass., at the edge of an apple orchard.
Keeping Granby fiscally strong By Michael B. Guarco, Jr., Chair, Board of Finance work contemplates enough negative impact from the state aid reductions and cost shifting. This individual was the only one to show at either of the two a candidate nor is politically connected. He wondered whether he can afford to stay in town over time. This is really a Connecticut question as much as it is a Granby question. Elsewhere in this issue another person questions whether more should be spent on education and how that might be funded. Such questions highlight the many faceted considerations and perspectives we, as citizens, and those serving as board members, need to contemplate as we ultimately look to balance the needs of the community with a sensitivity to taxpayers’ pockets. The capital planning work done this past spring is intentionally a conservative outlook at how capital and operating expenditures may come together against revenues and, in particular, our property taxes. While not the “worst case,” it is not intended to present a rosy picture.
Voters need both eyes open when voting. As stated numerous times at the public meetings and in the Drummer, the assumptions and inputs built into the planning work were selected to inject an abundance of caution within the process, with the stated intent being to work not at, but within, the parameters of the plan. In the past three decades the Boards of Selectmen, Finance, and Education have three times come together to produce and then commit to, and adhere to, a multi-year capital plan – to work within its parameters and limitations. In each case, the impact on mill rates was less than projected. Once again this year, the boards signed on to work to manage the combined operating and capital numbers so that overall and over time they fall within, not at, the parameters of the plan and, in particular, the mill rate bottom line. Anything to the contrary is a fabrication and contrary to the historical record. From where I sit as chair of the Board of Finance, I look to keep the boards working within the overall parameters – not necessarily at them. While over time some components may be higher and others lower, the goal and commitment is to bring in the bottom line mill rate changes within, not at, the plan projections. Built into the planning scenario is what
Keeping Granby Strong cont’d. on p. 6
Photo by Peter Dinella