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Board delays vote on Hamilton Avenue extended-day funding and Greenwich High house restructure; transportation to be next focus
Summary
Board members debated but did not approve proposed reductions to the Hamilton Avenue extended-day program and a proposed Greenwich High house restructuring. Members said those higher-dollar, complex items need full-board discussion; transportation was flagged as the next major budget lever.
The Greenwich Board of Education debated proposed changes to the Hamilton Avenue extended-day program and a possible restructuring of Greenwich High School houses, but members did not approve either measure Wednesday and directed additional study and full-board discussion at the next meeting.
A motion to reduce the Hamilton Avenue extended-day/year program by $200,000 failed after members expressed sharply divided views about preserving an early-stage tutoring program designed to support students below grade level. Proponents warned that cutting the program would disproportionately harm students at the most disadvantaged school sites; proponents of delay argued the program remains formative and may need more development before committments are made.
Separately, board members discussed a possible Greenwich High School house restructuring that would change administrative staffing and the high-school operating model; Dr. Jones described the proposal as a potential multi-position restructure that would require detailed design work and community input. Multiple members said the change — which would affect high-school administration and student experience — is too large and complex to decide under current time pressure and with two board members absent.
Board members repeatedly emphasized the need for all eight board members to take such high-dollar, high-impact decisions. Kathleen Stowe said the district has “a job to do” to avoid beginning the year in the red, while other members asked for additional time and community input before voting on the proposals. The board set follow-up discussion for next Thursday and signaled transportation options could be a decisive next step in meeting the overall budget target.
No formal action was taken on the Hamilton Avenue program or Greenwich High School house restructuring at the meeting; administration will prepare additional information for the board’s next session.
