Greenwich Free Press (https://greenwichfreepress.com/tag/cody-kittle/)
The guests of honor, Jen Behette, Cody Kittle, Laura Kostin, and Kathleen Stowe, were presented gifts that included an engraved teacher brass hand bell from Greenwich Public Schools, a bouquet of flowers from Dr. Jones, and certificates of appreciation and mementos from PTAC’s Lisa Sylvester and John Fisher. Continue Reading →
Two heavy agendas included changing 5-house structure at GHS to one based on grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12; moving to a 7-block fixed schedule, consolidating freshmen English/Social Studies and not weighting the grades, school bus parking, and Cardinal Stadium lighting. The much anticipated enrollment report was presented. Also the head of IT gave an update on the cellular improvement project at GHS. Continue Reading →
The board did not vote on cuts to Transportation (bus routes) that would change school Start Time or changing the GHS House structure to eliminate 5 full time employees, citing the fact that 2 BOE members – Cody Kittle and Wendy Vizzo Walsh – were absent. They did vote to reject pay-to-play sports at GHS. Continue Reading →
“The impact of these cuts is not abstract. Reductions of this scale threaten the educational opportunities we offer our students and are going to jeopardize the longstanding reputation of Greenwich Public Schools.” – BOE chair Karen Hirsh
“I don’t think we have fully done our job. What I observe are mostly political theatrics here.” – Cody Kittle Continue Reading →
“I feel like you’re reactionary and lack the ability to be thoughtful about the investments you make, and you don’t stick to your word.” – Jennifer Alexis Jones, RTM BOC member Continue Reading →
The board discussed a pay-to-play scheme for athletes. Cody Kittle said charging a $220 fee per athlete, per sport, based on 2,072 athletes, yielded a savings of $455,600 – or 20% of the GHS Athletics budget. Continue Reading →
BOE budget committee chair Cody Kittle talked about “theatrics.” Dr. Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony talked about “silver linings” efficiencies. Kathleen Stowe said students worried about “death by 1,000 cuts.” Laura Kostin characterized the situation as DEFCON 1. Continue Reading →
Newly elected BOE officers are: Karen Hirsh as Board Chair, Jen Behette as Vice Chair and Laura Kostin as Secretary. Continue Reading →
“I know you have the votes because there’s four of you and three of us, but in a small town, bi-partisan system like us, this is not how it’s supposed to work. This is a level of parliamentarian moves worthy of Mitch McConnell. Just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should.” – Dr. Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony Continue Reading →
At Thursday’s meeting, the BOE voted 5-1 to approve a 2% raise for Schools Chief Jones. Acting chair Hirsh discussed next steps in filling the vacancy on the board. Dr. Jones said there were strong community concerns about traffic given the upcoming 18-month North St Bridge replacement project. Continue Reading →