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Elaine WhitneyDemocratic Party
BOE Secretary/former Chair. Healthcare strategic planner; extensive management consulting experience. Selected for statewide educational leadership positions. Past LLS PTA co-president. Three children attending/graduated from WPS. MBA, Northwestern (Kellogg); BA, Yale. |
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Savin (D)Westport’s schools are the pillar of two goals we value most: raising successful children and bolstering the prosperity of our community. To maintain our schools’ excellence, I will carefully review every expenditure and seek out common-sense savings that don’t impact the classroom. But in tough fiscal times creative thinking is required. For example, I have urged our administration to develop solar energy on school properties, which would enhance both the environment and our balance sheet. I never take funding dollars for granted, but there is a level below which we cannot go. I will tirelessly fight for strong schools. |
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Whitney (D)I have an eight-year track record of proactively improving our educational programs while simultaneously achieving substantial, recurring savings in non-classroom operating costs, ensuring the sound financial footing of Westport’s schools for the long term even in challenging economic times. To continue to deliver this value in the current climate, we must: 1) implement our newly-updated, long-term strategic plan; 2) advocate for both appropriate funding and greater local flexibility; and 3) continue collaboration among town officials and community members to maximize the impact of our valuable resources on our students and, in turn, to contribute to the overall strength of Westport. |
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Kleine (R) We began planning for 2M in state cuts in 2016 and made adjustments to lessen the impact on students. Connecticut’s budget deficit may require more from us. Here are three things I will do to plan for any additional reductions in state funding: 1) participate in our strategic planning process, during which I will look for sustainable solutions; 2) serve on the next teacher contract negotiation committee to work with the union to minimize the impact of funding reductions; and 3) continue my work with state and local leaders to prevent any new mandated payments from Westport to the state. |
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Smith (R)In my 5 years serving on the Board of Education, we have taken many steps to improve the quality of our education while remaining fiscally responsible. As the only Educator on the BOE, I have advocated for focus on the classroom experience. Improving the instructional capabilities of our teaching staff through innovative technology, enhanced training and international partnerships can keep us on the cutting edge of educational advances. As a community, we will continue to seek more effective collaborative efforts with our town to accomplish our goals for our Westport children. |