In looking for a replacement for Staples High School Principal John Dodig, Westport Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon is soliciting parent, student, staff and community input via an online survey open through Sunday, Feb. 8.
John Dodig: announced retirement in December. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“In order to assist our administration in attracting the most highly qualified candidates for this position, we would like your input,” the survey states. “Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your participation will help to ensure that we find the best candidate for this important position.”

Dodig, 70, has been principal at Staples since 2004 and had been described by Landon as having “a monumentally positive impact upon students, parents, staff.” He announced his retirement in December. (See WestportNow Dec. 1, 2014)

The seven-part survey, available here, poses myriad questions ranging from “critically-needed personal characteristics and background experiences” to leadership challenges at Staples to the school’s selling points for attracting the best candidate to any additional input offered that the administration might find helpful.

Westport public schools will be on a two-hour delay on Tuesday.

Stepping Stones preschool will not have a morning session.

Bedford Middle School students celebrate as Bedford won a first place award at today’s Science Olympiad invitationals held at the school. Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division with participants competing in genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. The culmination of nearly 300 regional and state tournaments is the Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at a different university each year. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

By James Lomuscio

Westport Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon tonight appeared to pull the proverbial rabbit out of a hat, proposing a $1.5 million reduction in his announced 2015-16 budget of $113,294,493. It lowered the 3.75 percent increase over this year’s operating budget to 2.34 percent.
Elliott Landon: “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Landon told the Board of Education the cut could be gleaned from myriad areas. They included: $150,000 in workers compensation savings; removing capital projects from the operating budget, just at the town does, to save $390,000; high paid employee retirements and lower pay replacements; fund transfer, and substantial insurance savings.

In making the amendment to his proposed budget, Landon noted that Brian Stern, finance board vice chairman, told him that a “2.5 to 2.9 percent increase was as acceptable range for the Board of Finance,” the body the budget goes to following school board approval.

Michael Gordon, school board chairman, seemed thrilled. He thanked Landon, Elio Long, school business administrator, and Marge Cion, the school system’s director of human resources, “for sharpening your pencils.” He said the proposed cuts would put the budget where the finance board members “have said we should be,” without compromising programs for students.

Workers clear sidewalks at Saugatuck Elementary School on Riverside Avenue today in advance of Wednesday’s reopening of Westport schools. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Ben Berkley (l) and JT Shapiro of Saugatuck Elementary School’s Caring Council have their change counted at the TD Bank on Westport’s Main Street after a month-long effort to raise funds for the tuition of two students at the Secondary Education for Girls’ Advancement (SEGA) School in Tanzania. The goal was $2,000 but when the 240 pounds of loose change and bills were counted, they had raised $3,414. Led by Ashley Moran, SES workshop and math support teacher, Rae Anne Locke, library media specialist, and Katie Bloom, second grade teacher, the Caring Council went classroom to classroom to raise awareness for SEGA and the fundraising drive. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes announced today that David L. Levinson of Westport, president of Norwalk Community College (NCC), will be his guest at President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.

David Levinson: applauds Obama proposal. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

During an event today at NCC, Himes and Levinson voiced support for Obama’s new proposal to make the first two years of community college free for qualifying students.

“Dr. Levinson is one of Connecticut’s leading advocates for making college more affordable and accessible for all Americans, and I&##8217;m honored to have him join me at this year’s State of the Union address,” Himes said.

“America’s economic success and the strength of our middle class depend on a well-educated and well-trained workforce. If we want our nation to remain competitive, we must make college - including community colleges and vocational schools - more affordable.

Staples High School juniors studied in the Westport Library’s Great Hall today for Thursday’s government mid-term exam. They are (l-r) Caroline Lane, Jojo Adler and Kristin Munley. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Board of Education voted Tuesday night to have the Norwalk Public School system assume responsibility for state-mandated programs under its Continuing Education program beginning with the start of the 2015-16 school year.

The decision will have the effect of reducing the school district’s per student costs for the programs. These include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) as well as those addressing basic literacy needs, and teach the necessary skills to transition to higher education, training or employment.

While the Westport programs serve very few adults, the Norwalk Continuing Education program is geared to serve larger numbers more efficiently, according to board members.

Additionally, while Westport’s programs are offered only a few nights during the week, the Norwalk Continuing Education program serves adults six days and evenings per week, including Saturdays.

During midterm exams at Staples High School, the Guidance Department this week is handing out complimentary cookies, milk and motivational messages for students to “de-stress” while taking midterms. One guidance counselor, Victoria Capozzi, could be heard with a megaphone pulling kids in for cookies and wishing all “good luck!” The cookies have been a tradition for midterms and finals week at Staples. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jaime Bairaktaris for WestportNow.com