Originally published July 2 2005
Schools in Seymour, Conn. cut programs, make parents mad
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Connecticut Post reports that schools in Seymour, Conn. have announced cuts in some programs to make room for laptop computer purchases, which has caused a backlash from many parents who feel the downsized programs are more important to education than computers.
About 35 school parents told the Board of Education on Monday night they're not happy with program cuts they face next year.
The parental turnout --- one of the strongest this year --- came during a regular school board meeting nearly a month after the $44.3 million town budget for 2005-06 was approved on the third try.
The town budget includes $26.4 million for the schools, much less than what the school board requested, and has resulted in program cuts.
Those cuts include the Gemini talented and gifted academic program for fourth- through eighth-graders, summer school, high school weightlifting, middle school sports and alternative high school education.
Parents vented Monday during the meeting at Seymour Middle School.
"I can't believe you're spending money for laptop computers when we need money for other programs," Paul Bernstein said.
He was referring to the technology purchasing portion of the budget, which school officials believe is necessary to prepare students for an increasingly computerized world.
all the emphasis on computers, it appeared that there is only 20 percent usage of the school district's Web site.
Parent Peter Esposito wanted to know what happens with all the old computer equipment that gets replaced.
Several parents asked about the talented and gifted program, and even whether volunteers could be used to teach it.
Parent Rita Mattingly asked about summer school --- for her daughter's sake.
I have nothing to offer my child," Mattingly said.
Thomas Petruny said that every program that was cut was examined first to see whether its offerings were available to students in other ways.
For example, students who require summer school could use tutors.
Anthony Spinelli, who covers the Naugatuck Valley, can be reached at 736-5440.
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