Submitted by Megan Harnett, Old Greenwich, CT
Dear Editor,
As a long-time resident of Greenwich and a mother with a vested interest in the community, I am writing to express my concern over the current budget debate, particularly the proposed $4 million cut to the Greenwich Public Schools (GPS) budget.
This budget proposal is not just a number on a page – it has real, far-reaching implications for our schools, our children, and the future of our community.
Greenwich’s public schools have been a cornerstone of what makes this town so special, attracting families, driving property values, and nurturing our children’s growth. However, the prospect of these cuts threatens to undermine the critical work already being done to support our educators, maintain our infrastructure, and ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve. It is alarming that this cut comes at a time when our schools are already facing significant challenges in retaining teachers and maintaining resources necessary for student success.
The proposed cuts, framed as a “DOGE chainsaw” approach to budgeting, will have dire consequences beyond the classroom. Research consistently demonstrates that school quality is a primary driver of housing demand and property values. For example, studies cited in education policy analyses show that even perceived declines in school funding or program quality can deter homebuyers, disproportionately affecting towns like Greenwich where schools anchor community identity. As Peter Sherr, former BOE chair, noted, GPS’s academic performance improvements post-COVID—placing it among Connecticut’s top districts—are a direct result of sustained investment . Slashing budgets now risks reversing this progress, eroding the very excellence that makes our town desirable.
This isn’t hypothetical. Board of Education representatives warn that cuts could force reductions in arts, athletics, and teaching staff, directly diminishing the offerings that families expect when choosing Greenwich. As Doug Fenton, a vocal advocate for GPS funding, emphasized, the district has already aligned staffing with enrollment declines, meaning further cuts would destabilize core academic programs. When schools lose resources, communities lose value—both in the opportunities afforded to students and in the economic vitality tied to our reputation.
As a parent of a young child in the public school system, I understand firsthand how valuable these resources are. I’m also deeply concerned about the broader message these cuts send: that Greenwich is willing to compromise its future for short-term savings. Our property values are inextricably linked to the strength of our schools. To jeopardize their funding is to jeopardize the financial security of every homeowner.
I urge residents to recognize this moment for what it is: a choice between investing in our community’s long-term health or succumbing to a destructive, shortsighted agenda. The bipartisan school board’s 7-1 approval of the current budget reflects its necessity, and the outpouring of support from families, educators, and students at recent hearings underscores its urgency.
I strongly urge the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) to reject the proposed cuts and fully fund our schools. This is not just a school issue—it’s a town issue. A thriving, diverse, and well-funded education system is essential to the health and strength of Greenwich.
Sincerely,
Megan Harnett
Old Greenwich, CT