New Canaan’s highest-elected official said Tuesday that he’s concerned about a “storming of the Bastille” by public school parents following an email from the Board of Education seeking a show of support at a public meeting where there’s no room for public comment.
“I need to remind everyone that by Charter, by custom, by tradition in this town, public comment is reserved for the last Board of Finance meeting, which is March 12,” First Selectman Rob Mallozzi said (see video).
Just 52 people are allowed by fire code in the meeting room at the New Canaan Police Department, site of a 7:30 p.m. special meeting of the Board of Finance.
It’s not unusual for the Board of Ed to push back, as it is this year, when officials seek to reduce the amount of money requested from the town. The organized effort to galvanize public schools parents, via an email sent Monday, is a little more unusual. The school board’s letter, attached as a PDF, breaks down its $78.8 million operating budget request and makes a case for full approval.
“I’m worried when I read these emails about the potential for a storming of the Bastille tonight, for lack of a better phrasing,” Mallozzi said.
