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STAMFORD, Conn. Stamfords Board of Education candidates shared their opinions on how to handle the school system's budget problems during a candidate forum Thursday night at the Yerwood Center.
Republican challenger Michael Bayonne Jr. suggested reducing salaries, the largest figure in the school boards budget. He said he would go to the different unions and ask for wage freezes in exchange for future increases.
Democrat incumbent Julia Wade was against cutting programs, calling them just as important as teachers. She added that Interim Superintendent Winifred Hamilton has said it will take a 4.7 percent increase to maintain status quo in the schools. Other board members wanted to hold the budget increase to about 3 percent, Wade said.
Are we cutting programs or educators? I dont see either as palpable, she said of possible budget cuts.
In addition to addressing the medical plans and post-retirement benefits of school employees, Independent Karen Murphy also suggested student-based budgeting. Under such a system, each school principal would get his or her own budget to spend as they saw fit, she said.
Democrat Gary Klein said that if elected he would work to change the public's perception of the budget process. Instead of looking at how little the schools get, he said they should be asking what it is that the schools need. We should set our goals and then see what we can get, Klein said, adding that he would petition the state for more funds as well.
June Corridor wants to look for sources of funds beyond just the taxpayers' money. The Republican challenger said she would also look for grants. As a former teacher, she is against cutting educators. These are the people that work directly with your children every day, she said.
If re-elected Jackie Heftman said it is the boards job to review the spending plan proposed by the superintendent and then for members to support and advocate for the plan they adopt as their own. The Democrat added that the budget has seen minimal reductions in recent years.
The forum was co-sponsored by the Parent Teacher Council and Stamfords branch of the NAACP. Election Day this year falls on Tuesday, Nov. 8. For the school board, voters will be able to choose any three candidates.
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