Darien Board of Education passes budget amid community concerns and advocacy efforts

In the heart of Darien, Connecticut, the Board of Education gathered for a pivotal meeting, where the future of the school district's budget took center stage. As the evening unfolded, community voices echoed through the room, reflecting a blend of gratitude and concern regarding the proposed budget for the upcoming year.

A parent representative opened the discussion with heartfelt thanks to Dr. Adley and the Board for their dedication to the budget process. They acknowledged the significant input from parents, both through emails and public comments, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in shaping educational priorities. The representative expressed appreciation for the budget's responsiveness to parental concerns, particularly in maintaining essential programs like IDEA and avoiding increases in class sizes.

However, the conversation took a serious turn as concerns were raised about the reduction of paraeducators from three to two in elementary schools. The representative highlighted the potential negative impact this change could have on both staff and students, signaling a need for vigilance as the new school year approaches.

Mental health initiatives at the middle and high schools were also praised, alongside the retention of department chair leadership, underscoring the district's commitment to student well-being and academic excellence. Yet, the budget's overall increase of nearly 5% exceeded the Board of Finance's guidance of a 3 to 4% rise, prompting a call to action from parents and PTOs. They expressed readiness to advocate for necessary funding from the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) to preserve vital staff and programming.

As the meeting progressed, another community member, Laura Pesch Grama, contributed to the dialogue, referencing alternative team structures that could potentially reduce costs while maintaining educational quality. Her comments hinted at a broader conversation about innovative solutions to budgetary challenges.

The evening concluded with a collective acknowledgment that while the budget had passed, the work was far from over. Parents and community members pledged to continue their advocacy, urging the Board and Administration to champion a budget that upholds the high standards of education expected in Darien. The meeting encapsulated a community united in its commitment to education, balancing gratitude for progress with a determination to address ongoing challenges.