By Jarret Liotta

There were 117 fewer students who started school last week than expected, but Superintendent of Schools David Abbey told the Board of Education (BOE) tonight it was not something to worry about.

David Abbey assessing opening day: “Aug. 27 turned out to be a terrific day.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com

“It’s really negligible,” he said, noting that while the district had planned for 112 “sections” for 5,369 students, it was operating 110 sections for 5,252 as of Tuesday.

These lower numbers remain topical, however, because the BOE also held discussions about the adoption of a middle school rebalancing plan aimed to address declining enrollment.

Anthony Buono, assistant superintendent for teaching & learning, presented the BOE with the draft of a timeline for it to adopt a rebalancing plan by December.

By Jarret Liotta

A 1985 Staples High School graduate has come full circle in being named Westport’s Teacher of the Year for 2020.

Westport’s Teacher of the Year 2020 Stacy Fowle, a fifth grade teacher at Greens Farms School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com

Stacy Fowle, a grade five classroom teacher at Greens Farms School, was honored at tonight’s Board of Education meeting, along with 12 other nominees from throughout the district.

Her selection was first announced at an Aug. 22 convocation of teachers and staff, but the district at the time declined to make details available to the media.

An ardent environmentalist, Fowle has been in the district 14 years, where she has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at environmental causes—in particular a Zero Waste Committee that has impacted schools across town.

Honored at tonight’s Board of Education meeting were Teacher of the Year 2020 nominees. They included (l-r) Ann Neary, Barbara Robbins, Holly Sulzycki, winner Stacy Fowle, Megan Gallant, Elizabeth Smith, Brenna Morgan, Victoria Capozzi, Roshawn Lawrence, and Lindsay Forth. Other nominees included Rebecca Marsick, Emily Sawyer and Luke Rosenberg. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com

Scenes from today’s opening day of school for Westport public school students. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

New Staples High School Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr. greets students today on the first day of classes. Thomas was appointed effective July 1 to replace James D’Amico who announced in March his intention to resign after three years to become principal of his hometown high school, New Fairfield High School. Thomas comes from Trumbull where he was principal of Hillcrest Middle School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Friedman Family, parents Brian and Michelle, brother Noah, 3, await the school bus today on Cross Highway as daughter Michaele, 5, anticipates her first day of kindergarten at Long Lots Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Greens Fram Elementary School Principal Kevin Cazzetta, starting his sixth year as principal, welcomes arriving students today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com