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Parents press board for answers after declines in proficiency and staff reductions
Summary
Multiple parents told the Old Saybrook Board of Education that literacy and other test metrics have declined for high‑need students while the district is showing $859,000 in discretionary funds through June; they asked for a written explanation tying staffing choices to literacy goals and for a staffing plan focused on high‑need student support.
Several parents used the public‑comment period to press the Old Saybrook Board of Education for clearer explanations about recent staffing choices and student achievement trends.
Casey, a parent, said the district’s performance for high‑need students has declined across subjects: "ELA proficiency for our high‑need students dropped 2.4%. Math dropped 2.3%. Science dropped 1.9%. Third‑grade reading proficiency was at 55.4% and third‑grade math was at 46.4%." Casey said the district has about $859,000 in discretionary operational funds available through June while losing three teaching positions to attrition and asked for a written explanation of how reducing teaching staff aligns with stated literacy improvement goals and for a staffing plan tied directly to high‑need student supports.
Colt, another parent, echoed concerns about spending and staffing. He said Old Saybrook spends more than many other districts per pupil while teacher attrition runs about 13.7% and curricular materials (he referenced missing curriculum on the website) are difficult for parents to access. Colt said he filed a freedom‑of‑information request seeking more data and said he is considering moving his family because of the pattern of unresolved concerns.
Parents requested specific district responses: a written justification for cuts implemented through attrition, a staffing plan that aligns with literacy goals for 2026‑27, and concrete descriptions of targeted interventions beyond prior efforts. Board members acknowledged the comments and said staff would prepare responses and follow up.
What happens next: parents asked the board to provide a written explanation and a staffing plan tied to support for high‑need students; district staff said they are preparing a response to the May 7 follow‑up email and will provide details in writing.
