Education
New School Initiatives, Board of Education’s Role Discussed at Candidates Forum
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Later school starting times, the new Fitch Academy, technology in the schools and how the Board of Education communicates were some of the topics discussed by candidates for the school board at a recent election forum. Democrat Michael Burke and Republican Debra Ritchie, both incumbents, and Dennis Maroney spoke last week at a Darien League of Women Voters election forum. Although there aren’t more seats up for election than there are candidates (so the three Republicans and one Democrat are all expected to be elected), the event gave some insight on what three of the nine school board members are thinking about Darien education topics. Republican David Dineen, also a Board of Education member, was on a business trip and sent his regrets about not being able to make the event, a league official told the audience. Although all three candidates said the effect of possible loss of state aid on the education budget was the most important issue facing the board, but none of them offered specific ways to cut the budget or otherwise deal with the potential cut in funding.