The Westport Board of Education tonight decided to seek restoration of $600,000 of the $1.2 million cut from its 2005-06 operating budget by the Board of Finance. The vote was 6-1 with Mary Parmelee, board chair, voting against.
The Board of Finance at its March 29 meeting reduced the education budget to $78,323,190, about a 5 percent increase over the current year. (See WestportNow March 29, 2005) The Finance Board will hear the restoration request at its meeting Wednesday night.
Before the vote, board member Steven Halstead was highly critical of the way the Board of Finance decided to make its cut.
“Frankly I think the process has been and these (words) may be a little harsh but they are in fact accurate—distasteful, disrespectful and bordering on abusive,” he said.
Speak for yourself, Mr. Halstead. The birds come home to roost!