The Town of Stratford Town Council convened on March 11, 2024, to address pressing issues regarding the education budget, particularly concerning proposed cuts to librarians and substitute teachers. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members, including educators, parents, and students, who voiced their concerns about the potential negative impact of these budget reductions on the quality of education in Stratford.

The session began with a strong opposition to the proposed cuts to elementary school librarians. One speaker emphasized that librarians are essential to fostering literacy and educational success among young students. They argued that reducing the role of librarians would inevitably lower the educational standards for Stratford's children, highlighting the critical support these professionals provide in developing literacy skills.

Another educator raised concerns about the budget cuts for substitute teachers, noting the difficulty in finding substitutes even under normal circumstances. They explained that without adequate funding, classes would be overcrowded, disrupting the learning environment and negatively affecting students' educational experiences. The speaker warned that repeated instances of inadequate staffing would lead to a decline in educational quality, potentially driving families away from Stratford.

Grace Myron Dominguez, a sophomore at Stratford High School, passionately advocated for a 6.69% funding increase for the Board of Education, as requested by the acting superintendent. She underscored the importance of providing students with the necessary resources to succeed in a competitive educational landscape. Dominguez pointed out that top-performing school districts allocate a significant portion of their budgets to education, urging the council to consider a 7% increase to demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence.

Retired clinical social worker Patricia Koligen Culligan Levine shared her observations about the school system's performance, noting that Stratford's schools rank low compared to others in Connecticut. She highlighted the urgent need for increased funding to improve educational outcomes, particularly for students from low-income families.

John Tapka, a parent, called on the council to listen to educators and prioritize the needs of students. He expressed concern that budget cuts would undermine the support systems essential for student success, urging council members to collaborate and find solutions that would benefit the community.

The meeting also featured students who shared personal stories about the vital role teachers and librarians play in their education. They emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive academically.

As the public forum concluded, the council decided to recess the meeting, indicating that discussions would continue later in the evening. The testimonies presented reflect a community deeply invested in the future of its educational system, advocating for necessary funding to support both students and educators in Stratford.