Letters To The Editor:

A letter to The Herald editor (10/23/09) by Peter Kochol, “ Stewart disingenuous ...” as well as incorrect assertions by Democrats, Sherwood and O’Brien at the LOWV/HERALD Candidates’ debate on Tuesday, 10/20/09 prompts this editorial.

First. At the “debate”, Democrats asserted over and over (especially Sherwood & O’Brien) that NB schools are overcrowded. This despite a direct challenge to that assertion by Stewart Team Aldermanic Candidate, Marco Villa (BOE employee) that the assertion was false. An administrator at the BOE central office was called to ask him about school population numbers. This administrator said that in fact, our schools are NOT overcrowded. He explained further that there are approximately 500 students enrolled in out of town magnet schools. This means that fewer teachers were needed resulting in higher enrollments in some classes. Enrollment at NBHS is also lower.

Second. Kochol’s use of the term “disingenuous” when referring to Mayor Stewart is way off base. He asserts that Stewart did not wish to receive proposals for magnet schools - this assertion is what is really disingenuous. The DiLoreto School is a type of district magnet school (K - 8 Dual Language School). The Stewart Administration has supported this concept. The Stewart Administration held discussions about inter district magnet schools years ago. At that time, both city and school administrations did not wish to commit to the inter district magnet school proposal. It turns out, that was a good decision; in the past couple of months a serious problem has arisen especially in the Hartford magnet schools with regard to lower than expected per pupil funding for the schools from the State. There has been much discussion of this problem in the media. Why did the city/BOE decide not to commit to a inter district magnet concept years ago? The reasons are/were many faceted: where to put inter district magnet schools; increased funding necessary for staffing, etc.; no firm commitment from surrounding towns to participate - suppose towns committed at first, then, after getting things in place decided to back off a commitment? ; NB would be held “holding the bag.” Etc., etc.

Democrats are desperate to find issues they feel might serve them well in the upcoming election so they try to paint the Stewart Team as anti education. In light of the fact that there is a global recession and that the city underwent a revaluation (mandated by the State) the City and School Administrations had to be prudent financially to keep property taxes from skyrocketing.

Education progress in has been advancing in New Britain the past six years in spite of the fact that the state's share of the education budget has actually diminished during Tim O'Brien's time in the state legislature, from 62.2% in 2001-2002 to 59.3% in 2007-2008. This has increased the burden the city must carry. This is in conflict with the claim by Mr. O'Brien that he has increased state aid to schools during his time in office.

A few things that have been completed/accomplished during the Stewart Administration: reroofing of elementary schools; new playscapes at schools, 16 room addition for the Freshman Academy at NBHS; reroofing of NBHS with Solar electricity generating panels installed; Alternate School built at NBHS; sports improvements to Veteran’s Stadium; DiLoreto School has revamped building and curriculum concept (See the lead story in The Herald, 10/24/09). The list could go on and the facts show that the Stewart Administration has been only pro education for New Britain.

Alderman Lou Salvio, 225-9992, New Britain
Alderman Mark Bernacki, 223-8995, New Britain
Anthony Kane, BOE Candidate 229-8757, Stewart Team New Britain