Special Edition
Republicans approve guidelines that would slash more teachers and funds
It felt like Groundhog Day. Six months after a Republican majority on Greenwich’s Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) rammed through a chaotic $4 million school budget cut on a party-line vote, they did a similar thing Tuesday night. They approved so-called budgetary guidelines that would cut another $3.7 million next year, and in their overreach suggested firing teachers.
“This cut is coming on top of the $4 million cut that schools are still reeling from,” said Matt DesChamps, Democratic BET member.
That last cut in April forced the layoff of 23 educators, and earlier start times, creating chaos with bus schedules. Moreover, the school system has been preparing its new budget for months already, so this new “guideline” upends that process again.
Just like last April, there was no notice, no due diligence, no discussion with school teachers or staff. And no word from the First Selectman’s office, where the town’s de facto Republican leader, Fred Camillo, resides for now. Democrats unanimously opposed the stunning move.
“This is just another stunning failure of leadership from Town Hall,” said First Selectman candidate Anthony Moor. “Attacking our schools affects our property values, our quality of life, and the future of the children and families who live here.”
This time, however, you have a voice. Early voting has just started for municipal elections in Town Hall. BET Democrats need your votes to win control of the finance board and prevent these cuts from coming to fruition. Vote Row A to protect and support your schools, including all six Democratic BET candidates, our two endorsed Board of Education candidates, Bob Chaney and Veronica Chiavaroli, and Anthony Moor and Rachel Khanna for Board of Selectmen.
| October 22, 2025 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |