[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6686361,"mediaKeyId","2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01","parentId",2623686,"title","Board reviews athletic and club fee options; sports families warn fee could damp participation","audioSeconds",4221,"startMs",3481000,"endMs",7702000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01&start=3481&end=7702","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01/thumbnail_3481000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6686361/Connecticut/Board-reviews-athletic-and-club-fee-options-sports-families-warn-fee-could-damp-participation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6686361-8c8319a88af91a639a21a43a50cac7e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146632&Signature=jHWYJ8OpkBPR4xBa5qT7JTUU9DEt6z94Xc3AMP0bsvnuMzI~S55vgd66497SdnkhwUfS9gOHz89IZ9HQOwN9E-nIyrdqyXfp0MPjXVqb5Ay54PvaS8OnH0~iCBIN5YiTa0lo70v5Nw1A0zlC4OgdjDbFZqhUb1u-kW7DD8bzkHJCKhUv0ei290wMSnZ0aFvrfXInDqU1ymtlo1yAEoOlkZYntHjsYV4QCSckwM-EQzV-LfKoTdnfD1nyWUeV2QBvzKIhPXSxNb5yfBG7~UaTeY56XK7-lzn1mjiaWyQoN10jCGMUF3by69Rni~n4ELdIeYq0~7Fo8NMmwd5XVoznVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Darien School District","date","2025-02-12T11:39:53.767Z","article","Darien School District staff presented multiple models on Jan. 21 to levy participation fees for athletics and student clubs as one component of the budget discussion.

Administration noted that fees for non-CIAC sports (squash, skiing, sailing, rugby) were included in one draft proposal as a $340 per-participant co-pay intended to recover rental and other direct costs. Staff also presented three alternative options: a $100 flat per-sport fee (plus $340 where applicable) with a family cap of $400 (estimated revenue about $312,000 under current participation); a $150 flat fee with a $600 family cap (estimated $350,000); and a $200 flat fee with a family cap of $800 (estimated $334,000 depending on club exemptions).

Administrators emphasized that districts differ regionally: Ridgefield, Weston and Wilton use various participation-fee models; Westport, Darien and New Canaan did not charge broad participation fees in the same way. Staff said many districts that charge fees use flat-dollar approaches and usually include a family cap; scholarship/waiver programs were proposed for families on free-or-reduced-price lunch or for economic hardship.

Board members and speakers raised equity and participation concerns. Board member Katie noted that fees may deepen inequities because some sports provide equipment and district-paid protective gear while others require parents to buy equipment; flat fees do not address those differences. She asked whether fees could be set as a percentage of per-player costs; staff said they did not find districts using percent-of-cost models and that a percentage approach would be difficult to administer.

Parents and athletes testified during public comment. Kevin Davis, speaking for roughly 150 families, said a $340 co-pay applied only to non-CIAC teams would be inequitable and could reduce participation, estimating the additional co-pay would total about $51,000 across roughly 150 participants and could raise costs per athlete by 59% to nearly 100% in some sports. Student rugby players said such a fee could discourage newcomers: \"I would have never played if there was a $340 fee,\" one student told the board.

Staff said fee programs would include waivers for low-income students and that rental fees (for ice time, squash courts, etc.) would not be eliminated and would remain as an additional cost under many options. No vote was taken; board members asked for additional modeling of distributional impacts (which sports would drop participation under different fee levels), and for more comparative data from nearby districts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Special Meeting - January 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators presented multiple participation-fee models on Jan. 21, including flat fees of $100'$200 per sport with family caps and a proposed $340 co-pay specifically applied to non-CIAC sports such as squash, skiing, sailing and rugby.","taxTitle","Darien School District, School Districts, Connecticut","taxId",55224,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6686367,"Darien proposal to cut paraeducator roles and use interns for coverage draws sharp criticism",6801,1698000,8499000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01&start=1698&end=8499","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01/thumbnail_1698000.jpg","/articles/6686367/Connecticut/Darien-proposal-to-cut-paraeducator-roles-and-use-interns-for-coverage-draws-sharp-criticism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6686367-36d5220c11b9f2c7685380eee3d3cf72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146632&Signature=PcXfEC~U~OUrBt0geAaZ8Njqt~MMb05an8NJzrzM3IaTi7S0IDdIhe2SgRGCSU5qmvSRFLDqGwG0lu6EPGpxXiUFKNiwAq2wUVLagHhyOAqewfz~Mdd~8xD4m9ynfDdfviPl1YpPqjo3ECchjF9C4X5rkYJfpWFGA8YX-1WmGabKEsR~3Rd432QwQSZddoi6JAnnryW1D5W-vqo2Gcg3OPZdutdJ22GUJH5GTEbazA9Xd7AUpNBAk9Wc-xuNCWaIhtRqVkf6LryPgJF3S4TLmP8A5zRFt0Rr3HSXR6e0YaWHGZNsParE9JmBU812pOywwf7B-EDHAI9T-Y45ZlxXhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District administrators presented a budget scenario on Jan. 21 that would reduce the number of funded paraeducator positions at elementary schools and replace much of that work with a combination of pre-service teacher interns and permanent building substitutes.

Administrators said the change responds to increased use of paraeducators to cover teacher absences after the pandemic and contended that using interns and building substitutes better aligns with current classroom needs and would save the district \"over $1,000,000.\" Marge and Marjorie (presentation staff) explained that interns are pre-service teachers in certification programs and that the district has previously used staggered intern placements so an intern's 10-week student-teaching block would not leave a school unstaffed throughout the year.

\"Our paraeducators really do provide a support role,\" staff said, \"but the operational impact will be relatively minimal because over the past few years ... the paraprofessionals have been pulled to cover classes.\" Administrators told the board they estimate net savings of about $1.14 million if the change is implemented.

Board members and many public commenters pushed back sharply. Several board members and parents said the proposal risks reducing daily classroom support, weakening continuity for students, increasing teacher workload and raising the risk of burnout. Board member Katie said eliminating long-term, experienced paraeducators \"is going against everything that we say makes our schools great.\" Joan (Joanna) and others raised ratios showing fewer adults per student than in past years.

Multiple current paraeducators and parents addressed the board during public comment. Kristen Anderson, an instructional aide with long service in district schools, warned that replacing veteran staff with short-term interns would create a revolving door. \"Will eliminating 15 long term dedicated employees and replacing them with free and inexperienced college students save you money? Absolutely. But in 9 months, your free interns will move on and be gone and you will have gotten what you paid for,\" she said.

Parents and staff also said paraeducators perform non-instructional but essential classroom operations (arrival/dismissal, recess supervision, lunch duty) and help manage students who are not yet identified for special services. Administrative staff responded that some of that coverage already occurs and that principals report paraeducators are often used for substitute coverage more than for assigned grade-level support.

Board members asked for more data on the actual time paras spend covering teacher absences, the projected schedules for interns with their 10-week student-teaching blocks, and the distribution of staffing across schools (for example, Oxbridge's mix of permanent building substitutes and part-time staff). Several asked for alternatives that would preserve experienced paras while realizing savings.

No formal action was taken on Jan. 21. Administrators said they would supply follow-up material on usage, bumping/benefit calculations, and the assumptions behind the estimated savings before further deliberation.","District administrators presented a budget scenario on Jan. 21 that would reduce the number of funded paraeducator positions at elementary schools and replace some duties with pre-service teacher interns and permanent building substitutes, estimating net savings of roughly $1.0'$1.14 million.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6686360,"Board seeks alternate cuts and further analysis as Darien budget gap persists",378,6751000,7129000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01&start=6751&end=7129","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01/thumbnail_6751000.jpg","/articles/6686360/Connecticut/Board-seeks-alternate-cuts-and-further-analysis-as-Darien-budget-gap-persists","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6686360-29c2ea4c35bb10a9c20472802f878466/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146632&Signature=isKrYioMIdBitcIUI84~1U12fOATCC-zfyACfxYBTENgaoxj2Lx6K0OFjdHpPOtib6h5zBun5UfhQQx8ja~FNdQ4wWkvaXk6muV2FxaqGwPUV2GjB0LiImOX1Af6gKGv2h7ej0p4a7ZKIuvuxsa2L-z4kU32iShDmWjIrwQ0Ij3beJLU-XME2ldv3FU5PY8D5FRF8F8AQ3jZcs4mwxwVXKBe5FBWlhKTmo5O9SWuAkNhecgDdbk1SH~ZmsAm0sOLiSVH1xZNHIJ5XEXCfvDBH1Qrphslp3~cZa9NXgt0XGaXrCmyU31c36VqSCdq34f-6VsTyMDDgBRCBL4hDe3REQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During a Jan. 21 special meeting, district administrators and the Board of Education reviewed where the current proposed operating budget stands relative to the board's target and discussed next steps to close the gap without unduly harming classroom instruction.

Administrators presented a \"where we left off\" scenario showing program restorations the board had previously authorized and other options being considered. Finance director Rich recommended reducing the Excess Cost Reimbursement (ECR) reimbursement assumption to a lower, more conservative rate (staff suggested 65 percent rather than a higher, optimistic assumption) because state reimbursement pools and claim volumes are uncertain.

Board members asked staff to re-examine categories beyond direct classroom staffing for potential savings or efficiencies. Suggestions included a fresh review of consulting contracts and duplication in mental-health services, additional scrutiny of technology and recurring software licenses, a tighter look at catering and meeting expenses, and a review of athletic supervision and event-security contracts. Rich noted that transportation route consolidation had limited short-term savings because of routing and timing constraints.

Board members also discussed administrative staffing changes made in recent years; trustees asked for a clear breakdown of the current administrative headcount, the functions those positions perform and whether any long-term reorganization could safely reduce costs without harming instructional oversight.

The board emphasized it wanted options that would minimize direct classroom impacts while identifying realistic savings (the superintendent mentioned a target figure around $1 million to narrow the budget gap). No final decisions were made and the board asked staff to return with comparative district data, further cost models, and the requested clarifying information before the next budget meeting in late January/early February.

Public comment reiterated several themes raised earlier in the meeting: concerns about paraeducator reductions, worries about increased participation fees, and questions about how mental-health positions and other supports are allocated. The board adjourned with direction to collect additional materials and model alternatives.","At a Jan. 21 special meeting, Darien School District administrators and the Board of Education reviewed budget options and asked staff to produce additional savings and revenue scenarios to close the current operating gap without unduly harming instruction.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6686374,"Darien schools propose more professional-learning days, sparking debate over lost student instructional time",535,221000,756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01&start=221&end=756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623686-64ec064f6e8bdd1f14a25d3b25f04d01/thumbnail_221000.jpg","/articles/6686374/Connecticut/Darien-schools-propose-more-professional-learning-days-sparking-debate-over-lost-student-instructional-time","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6686374-3c678de2a4d628f646803833ca778dd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146632&Signature=Pe-WPNso2jKI~lZE-YjcH-7nLTdHqrA8iLIf0gJCAko4wR8PLa62wVdOWKcdaukCMXh4doLaA4dEiFwkmBSYZ168UFBJLdwyG01EQbhv3l2ohg6Wh5~Nfw0EH3jlmb-HKglCa~DAEaVOvLMnqOeN8KXVx4Ouf9A9dQj-f73zXthhx5r5d0FrIhIMwvL8YTgYmXADfDDY5179pck5YvKtXyW6OQ0JxaDdsAyfzIhNA0lc0EdBsopveaQXDF83cTz0pvVhbm8dbjvzh0rFJ7jmrylrCmZZLAp4KVcJDuLSYJb6dt~ZaxeaPViBSD-6l~~UIVQX-1CO32pBDJkOGNpeAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Darien Board of Education heard a staff proposal on Jan. 21 to increase the district's professional-learning time, including five new two-hour early-release days for K'12 and three additional delayed-start days at the high school for professional learning communities (PLCs).

District leaders said the change is meant to give teachers regular, structured time to examine student work and instructional strategies across schools. \"We do know that the classroom teacher is the number 1 indicator and factor that contributes to student learning outcomes,\" Amy said during the presentation. \"Investing in our adult learners in the organization is incredibly important.\"

The administration urged that PLCs be protected as time when teachers \"look at student work samples and student data points\" so that teachers can share strategies and respond to students who are not meeting learning targets. Staff described a proposed calendar with six professional learning days and a teacher workday in August, plus the newly proposed five early-release days spread through the school year; elementary PLCs would remain embedded in a six-day cycle. The high school currently has ten delayed-start PLC days; staff proposed three additional delayed openings for a total of 13.

Board members acknowledged the potential benefits but repeatedly asked how the plan would affect student-facing minutes. \"I'm struggling with adding for teachers when we're potentially taking away from students,\" said Board member Sarah. She and others asked for evidence that added professional learning time will translate into improved student outcomes and requested measures to track return on investment.

Board member Katie suggested the district might first examine whether existing PLC time is being used effectively and whether mandated state trainings could be scheduled differently. Staff replied that many state-mandated trainings (for example, human-trafficking awareness, bloodborne-pathogen training) are compliance-oriented and do not substitute for collaborative PLC work that uses student artifacts.

Supporters also described retention benefits: staff said candidates frequently ask about professional learning opportunities during hiring interviews. \"This is a big retention and recruitment opportunity,\" the presenter said. The administration also noted scheduling choices aimed at reducing family burden: half-day releases were proposed and timed near days with lower attendance to limit impact on families.

Board members asked for follow-up information, including: evidence linking added professional learning to student outcomes, detailed measures and timelines for evaluating the initiative, and the impact of the proposal on instructional minutes by grade and school.

District staff said materials and a Q&A are posted online and invited the board to submit questions ahead of the next meeting. The board did not take a final vote on the proposal on Jan. 21; it remains under deliberation.","District staff proposed adding five 2-hour early-release professional-learning days and three additional high-school PLC delayed-starts (for a total of 13) to strengthen teacher collaboration and systemwide alignment. Board members asked how the added time will improve student outcomes and pressed whether existing PLC time could be better used.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews athletic and club fee options; sports families warn fee could damp participation

Darien proposal to cut paraeducator roles and use interns for coverage draws sharp criticism

Board seeks alternate cuts and further analysis as Darien budget gap persists

Darien schools propose more professional-learning days, sparking debate over lost student instructional time