Are you worried about the Board of Education redistricting process?

As I meander about town, on my daily sojourns from pick-up to drop-off, to errand to activity, I overhear quite a bit of conversation about the possibility of redistricting in the School District for the 2010-11 school year. What I hear are numerous concerned parents and a fair amount of misinformation.

Notice, I wrote POSSIBILITY of redistricting. That’s right, it’s possible the Board will choose to NOT change the school district maps. That is an option. Additionally, if changes take place to the district, the changes would be implemented in the school year that begins September 2010. Not this September. What I am hearing is a lot of concern that children will be moved about this year. That simply isn’t true.

Another thing I notice about these parents, is the feeling of powerlessness. They act as if the Board will put into action a plan that they have no influence over. I understand the frustration, but most Board of Ed meetings are open to the public. And public commentary is welcome, if not invited. If you pay taxes in this town, why wouldn’t you attend some of these meetings? If you have a child in the school system, all the more reason to attend. I’ll admit, I don’t make it to as many meetings as I’d like. I have the same conficts as anyone else.

If you can’t get to the meetings, this website is a perfect venue to voice your concern. Either in the comments of an article or start a discussion. There are town leaders who are looking at this site. They might not comment, but they are listening.

One thing the Board members stated at last Monday’s meeting, is the fact that most Board of Education meetings have low attendance until there is a major issue at hand (ie. redistricting). Also, when the Board needs the support of parents during meetings with the Selectmen, attendance is minimal. The Board needs support in those meetings, to get the resources and funding needed. Without the visible support, the fight is difficult.

You can view their calendar at Fairfield Board of Education This is a site you should have bookmarked and visit often. As I find out about meetings I will post them here as well.

I’ll step down from the soapbox now….