Westport Schools Superintendent Colleen Palmer (r) today told a League of Women Voters of Westport brown bag lunch at Town Hall that she is carefully warching Betsy DeVos, President Trump’s choice for education secretary. She said of DeVos, who heads a pro-school-choice advocacy group: “I am hopeful that she is willing to learn … I hope she causes no harm to us in Connecticut.” Palmer said welcomes suggestions from Westport residents and is always availablr to answer questions.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

TEAM Westport, the town’s multicultural committee, and the Westport Library today announced the fourth annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest.

The contest is open to students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 who attend Staples High School or another school in Westport, or reside in Westport and attend school elsewhere.

An announcement said “the focus of the contest is the issue of ‘white privilege,’ which surfaced as a topic during the recent presidential election.”

Students are asked to describe in 1,000 words or less how they understand the term “white privilege.”

By James Lomuscio

Even though it’s exam time at Westport’s Staples High School, students in teacher Cathy Schager’s Contemporary World class aren’t cramming for tests.

Students involved in the project include (l-r) (l-r) Gavin Berger (class of ’17), Eli Debenham (‘17), Emir Beg (‘17, Sarah Maybruck (‘18), Molly Liebergall (‘17), Michael Simons (‘18), and Theo Kokoff (‘18), Absent—Eden Schumer (‘18). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

They’re tackling a different kind of final, one that puts them in touch with the world they studied — raising funds for civilians affected by ongoing violence in Syria.

So, while other students are hunkering down at desks, students like seniors Eli Debenham, Lauren Davis, Emir Beg and George Goldstein can be found outside the cafeteria asking for spare change.

Hence the program they started: Spare Change for Syria. And the coin drops are adding up.

By James Lomuscio

Top 25 Education Wage Earners for 2016 (PDF)

For the first time in at least 18 years, Westport’s schools superintendent did not make the top 10 list of the district’s highest wage earners, according to a 2016 report today from Elio Long, director of school business operations.

The top 10 Westport education wage earners for 2016 as reported by the schools business office.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Westport Schools graphic

That’s because the superintendent salaries were basically split for 2016. Former Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon, who retired in June after 17 years at the helm, earned $148,640 and his replacement, current Superintendent Colleen Palmer earned $142,675, since July 1.

That being said, the top earner for the district in 2016 was Longo, earning $201,373.

James D’Amico, Staples High School principal, came in second on the list with a $180,475 salary.

The Staples High School Service League of Boys (SLOBS) tonight presented a check to Jimeale Hede, founder of the Brighter Lives for Kids Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities and experiences to children in Bridgeport. She spoke to the group tonight about the foundation, which was also the recipient of a SLOBS donation of school supplies made possible by a recent Ping-Pong and basketball fundraiser. SLOBS is the largest club at Staples and seeks to strengthen parent-son relationships and promote leadership development through community service activities. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

By James Lomuscio

Westport’s school transportation coordinator pitched the Board of Education two items tonight to further safeguard children on school buses -— three-point, shoulder lap seat belts and cameras to catch scofflaws who pass stopped buses.

Initially, four buses would be equipped with cameras to nab drivers who ignore the bus’s flashing lights. ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

While the board took no action on either proposal, some board members favored both.

Chairman Michael Gordon expressed strong support for the proposed RedFlex Student Guardian camera system designed to nab drivers who ignore a school bus’s flashing lights and stop arm. The system allows police to cite violators based on vehicle and license plate photos and video evidence received.

A RedFlex representative who appeared with district transportation coordinator Sandy Evangelista stressed the system would be placed on 10 percent of the town’s 40-bus Dattco fleet—and that it would come at no cost to the town. It would be funded by each $450 violation fine, about two to three per week, she said.

Staples High School has announced its latest Students of the Month. The award program recognizes students who help make the school a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to select all-around good school citizens. Pictured are (back row, l-r) Cody Gornbein, Kyle Ehrlich, Zachary Halperin, Isaac Otero and Sophie Smith (middle row) Emma Curci, Tamikah Boyer, Jose Hernandex and Johanna Haka (front row) Alexandra Ede, Sasha Arellano and Larkin Corr. Missing from picture is Brendan Connors. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The Board of Education met at the Westport Library’s McManus Room today for an all-day budget review session. Superintendent of Schools Colleen Palmer has proposed a 2.44 percent increase was proposed for fiscal 2017-18 to $115,359,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com