Submitted by Elspeth Spransy Mesarina, Greenwich
Letter To the Editor,
We are firing part of our beloved Greenwich school community.
Do you know who is losing their jobs because the Republican-majority Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) voted to cut $4 million from the Greenwich Public School budget? These are not just names on a spreadsheet. These are real people—deeply engaged, deeply committed staff who make our schools not just functional, but exceptional.
I have two children in two different Greenwich elementary schools. Each day, I send them off trusting they’ll be safe, nurtured, and inspired to grow. But now, I find myself heartbroken—not just for my children, but for the Greenwich educators and staff who no longer feel secure in their roles. They are not numbers or headcount. They are the gears in a machine that works only because of their tireless effort and compassion.
A few years ago, my son was struggling with a bullying situation. I did everything I could as a parent, but I still worried. At a PTA fundraiser, I spoke with the media assistant and casually shared our challenges. Her response? She looked at me, her face full of compassion, and said, “We’ll keep an eye out.” She meant it. That single, thoughtful moment made me feel like I had an ally—an aunt, almost—within the school walls. She didn’t know us well, but she showed care and commitment that went beyond her job description.
At my daughter’s school, the media assistant took it upon herself to gently expand my daughter’s narrow literary interests beyond cat-themed books. My daughter is emphatically obsessed with cats. Felines affect all aspects of her life, including influencing the books she has selected from the library for the past 2-1/2 years. It is simply amazing to know that she consistently checked out a cat-themed book from her school library since Pre-K.
After months of encouragement from the media assistant, my first grader now checks out books in a variety of genres, including chapter books! That wonderful staff member encourages, celebrates, and engages with my child’s growth—one small example of the kind of personalized care our school staff provides daily.
These people care. They have dedicated more than 15 years of service to GPS. They are involved. And they have an incredible impact on our children’s education and well-being.
I am tired of watching Republican BET members ignore the overwhelming voices of parents who support school investment. I was appalled when the BET chairman tried to deny climate change during a public hearing. We should all work together in November to find suitable replacements for these BET seats, because they aren’t listening to us and our schools will suffer.
Our talented, dedicated teachers and staff do not feel safe in their careers. School leadership has lost their foundation and they fear the impact of future budget decisions. I’ve spoken with teachers who are openly comparing salaries in neighboring districts. One shared how substitute teachers make significantly more just 20 minutes away. Another teacher responded with such interest that I feared we’d lose her—over substitute pay.
Even as an elementary school, parent, the Reorganization of the Greenwich high school houses is deeply concerning. The ripple effects could extend far beyond the high school itself – Potentially jeopardizing the roles of newly hired principals and an assistant principals across the district. These leaders have brought fresh energy and positive changes to our schools. Are we prepared to risk that progress just to accommodate unnecessary budget cuts mandated by the BET? if these recent hires are forced out to make room for displace tenured staff, then it would be a significant loss for our students. How can our town operate in a way that makes these critical professionals feel disposable?
Parents: Get to know your assistant media specialist. Meet your gym and foreign language teachers—people who always seem to be under threat of cuts. Watch them work. Thank them. Let them know you see them, value them, and ADVOCATE for them. If you have new leadership within your school, keep an eye out for how these changes could impact their career.
Greenwich, get your act together.
Invest in our children now.
Support the educators and staff who nurture them.
At a minimum, our education team deserves to feel secure.
This is how we create a stronger, more financially sound Greenwich for generations to come. Even my cat loving, fiery, first grade girl knows that.
Respectfully sent from an Eagles and Dragons family wanting immediate change.
Elspeth Spransy Mesarina