18:45:28	 From  David Griffith : Thank you for making this work.
18:45:55	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : much better
18:46:19	 From  Rachael Zumbo-Penney : you were at 300 plus participants before
18:46:29	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : FYI - grid view is turned off. you’re full screen when speaking
18:49:43	 From  C B  to  All panelists : is there a packet posted for this meeting?
18:52:04	 From  David Griffith : And during the next town election, several BOF members were voted out of office. 
18:52:17	 From  TRACEY OCONNOR  to  All panelists : How can Bob raise his hand - you can’t see him?
18:53:30	 From  TOM GERHARD  to  All panelists : The moderator may be able to change Bob’s name so that his phone number isn’t displayed.
18:55:01	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : I have an idea! let’s save it for a pandemic,
18:55:39	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : I have an idea, let’s save the fund for use during a pandemic!
18:57:27	 From  Kelly Feeney : Does anyone else hear that clicking/tapping? it's very distracting.
18:57:36	 From  Liz Van Duyne  to  All panelists : yes
18:57:48	 From  Lisa Frese  to  All panelists : Yes terrible
18:57:58	 From  Jennifer Carter  to  All panelists : Yes I hear it. It’s very distracting.
18:58:02	 From  Jon Hayner  to  All panelists : Agreed
19:09:28	 From  David Ulmer  to  All panelists : Roads Capital is 1.2M, not 1.6
19:21:28	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Fund balance is to be used during times of emergency. Isn't Covid-19 the definition of Emergency?
19:21:44	 From  Erica DiGrazia  to  All panelists : Yes!
19:22:54	 From  Michael McNamara : They print it Maureen.
19:23:13	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : EXACTLY!
19:23:21	 From  Kelly Feeney : Do any of the panelists hear the clicking? It's very loud on our end and making it hard to focus on what you're all saying.
19:23:50	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : yes the clicking it horrible!
19:24:14	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Regardless, the schools need the money to purchase the PPE for teachers and students as well as the cleaning supplies, and they won't have the money to do it if their budgets are cut or fund balance is not used.
19:24:24	 From  George Beratis  to  All panelists : The Tri-state area has been hit the hardest, but not all parts of the country have been affected the way we have.
19:24:34	 From  Kelly Feeney : Thank you for turning off the clicking!
19:24:53	 From  Joseph O'Dea  to  All panelists : FEMA will pay for the PPE.
19:25:25	 From  Colette Kabasakalian  to  All panelists : I agree with Bob Hebert.  We need to hold on to the fund balance as much as possible to cover those costs as we do not know how much the Federal Government will come up with.  At this time freeze the budgets from last year.
19:25:25	 From  David Griffith : During last week's meeting, members of this board indicated that other towns are using their fund balance for this emergency. Why wouldn't we tap into the fund balance?
19:25:45	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : The schools add to the fund balance!!
19:26:04	 From  Stephanie Anderson  to  All panelists : Completely agree with Sean. This is exactly what the fund balance is for.
19:26:22	 From  David Griffith : $800,000 from this year.
19:26:27	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : True, yes, David and Michelle!
19:26:28	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Towns are only as good as the schools are! :)
19:26:40	 From  Michael McNamara : Every year the schools give money back and where does it go?  The fund balance!  In fact, you’re using the school’s return to cover losses on the town side.
19:27:27	 From  Colette Kabasakalian  to  All panelists : But our REVENUES were stable as well
19:27:38	 From  jessica mancini : I am confused as to why the Board of Selectman is discussing the usage of fund balance when it is a Board of Finance decision.
19:27:42	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : interest rate
19:27:46	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : True, this is infuriating!
19:28:11	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Nicely said, Michael!!
19:29:18	 From  Michael McNamara : WE NEED IT NOW!!!!
19:29:59	 From  Michael Raduazzo  to  All panelists : when the schools return money to the town that is due to an overfunding of the schools budget which resulted in a higher tax rate in prior years. since the schools work off the prior years budget to build the current years budget this just compounds the tax increases in future years.
19:30:27	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : I agree and second Michael McNamara on all points!
19:31:10	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : interest rates are at historic lows and there is over 10 trillion in debt at negative yields.  The incremental cost to the town going from a AAA rating to be ing put on watch or AA  is not going to amount to much
19:31:48	 From  Mary Battipaglia : Towns are only as good as the schools are!
19:32:41	 From  Jon Hayner  to  All panelists : Towns are only as good as the schools are!
19:32:57	 From  Kerry Knop : Does use of the fund balance then require that the fund be replenished with an increase in mil rate next year?
19:34:02	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Well said Rudy.
19:35:12	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Yes Rudy! Responsible use of the balance during difficult times!
19:35:12	 From  Jon Hayner : Towns are only as good as the schools are!
19:35:17	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Yes, Rudy. Thank you for listening! 
19:35:29	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : agree Rudy!
19:36:27	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : Appreciate your tough rationalization Rudy and really thinking it through!
19:36:41	 From  Eileen McKeon  to  All panelists : Excellent points Rudy.  Value of our community and schools is imperative
19:36:45	 From  Kerry Knop : Schools need not only to stay the same but they need to improve.  We need significant changes in curriculum at the elementary level.  We need funds to do that.  We also need to prepare for half day scenarios, PPE etc.
19:37:12	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : yay or nay
19:38:39	 From  Jacqueline Molligo  to  All panelists : what “improvements” are needed at the elementary level?
19:41:32	 From  David Griffith : Yes!!!
19:42:21	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : 1.5 is not enough. It will decimate the schools!
19:42:36	 From  Michael Raduazzo  to  All panelists : Kerry knop. the use of fund balance brining the mill rate to zero on a budget increase this year adds to the base budget which will be taxed next year and ongoing.
19:43:21	 From  Robert Ceccarini : decimate????
19:43:49	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Yes! 
19:43:55	 From  Michael McNamara : 2.4 million cut to the status quo budget.
19:44:28	 From  Sandra Mahoney  to  All panelists : 1.5 is devastating!!
19:44:28	 From  Natalie Vecchio : Even those who do not have children in the school system will be affected by this vote.  Property values will sink.  Home owners/voters will be able to look back on this decision, and it will assuredly impact thief future voting decisions.  As you are aware, assessed property values affect the city’s future income.  Not supporting the pre-approved school budget will have rolling effects.  Families are leaving NYC for suburban areas.  Ours will only be a top choice if our schools are proved to be supported by its elected officials.
19:44:30	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Well said Sean.  Thank you for being mindful of trying to protect town jobs from being cut.  Please do the same for school jobs (not to mention that would mean larger class sizes).
19:45:48	 From  Jeanne Deming : You're right Mr. Connelly. You haven't heard that people don't support this budget. 
19:45:50	 From  Erica DiGrazia : and PPE for all schools (paid upfront at least), cleaning supplies, additional manpower to clean them and deep clean them, and smaller classes so you don't have rooms crowded. That is what being prepared is all about - and the schools need the ADDITIONAL money for that.
19:46:24	 From  Sandra Mahoney  to  All panelists : Our town’s economy can’t recover if the schools are not functioning properly.
19:46:33	 From  Stephanie Anderson  to  All panelists : Thank you Sean for listening to your constituents.
19:46:39	 From  Lisa Perry  to  All panelists : Thank you Sean for your wise input.  Keep KIDS first!
19:46:42	 From  Michael McNamara : $5 a month for me, Sean.
19:46:52	 From  jessica mancini : I agree with Sean.
19:46:53	 From  Jon Hayner : Thank you for listening to us, Sean.
19:46:59	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : agree Sean
19:46:59	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Towns are only as good as the schools are!! 
19:47:08	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : The fact that the Town’s schools are so impacted by a 1 to 2% BOE increase is symptomatic of a larger problem. It’s perverse.
19:47:10	 From  Angela Rice  to  All panelists : Thank you Sean
19:47:10	 From  Elizabeth Karlan  to  All panelists : Thank you for listening, Sean!!
19:47:10	 From  Karen Griffith : Thank you for listening to us, Sean.
19:47:26	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : Thank you for listening to the community Sean!
19:47:29	 From  Mary Battipaglia : Thank you for listening to us, Sean.
19:47:32	 From  Sarah pettitt  to  All panelists : thank you Sean!
19:47:55	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : $2M increase in RAISES
19:47:56	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : But they didn't factor in any kind of PPE or plan for fall!
19:47:57	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : Thank you Sean!!
19:48:06	 From  Robin Collins : Thank you Sean, for paying attention to town constituents
19:48:49	 From  Michael McNamara : Worth every penny for the hours they put in.
19:48:52	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : $173K average pay of an administrator
19:49:26	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : That’s good remuneration, plus remember they have a pension and healthcare that most in the private sector do not
19:50:09	 From  Jacqueline Molligo  to  All panelists : Only a piece of the whole budget, but I am really tired of seeing all but empty school busses going by my house to the middle and high schools every day…really obscene waste.
19:50:11	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Good suggestion Barbara!
19:50:23	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : When 10%+ of people are unemployed (and that is low), it’s kind of crazy to hand out $2M in raises
19:51:05	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Considering what those Administrators and Teachers did this year without any plan in place, they deserve to be recognized for what they accomplished. They have done more these past few months than so many others...
19:51:37	 From  Colette Kabasakalian  to  All panelists : How do we know they are real savings if they haven't given you the numbers??  Am I missing something?
19:51:45	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : It would be too late for that! Cuts will be made before those facts are realized. 
19:51:56	 From  Kathleen Murdock  to  All panelists : There are absolutely savings to be had from not moving all these kids to school for the last 3+ months!! Do not strip the school budget because you don't have all the figures straight yet. When will you have that done???
19:52:07	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Some might argue that it has not been that smooth of a transition for our students; I don’t see any required Zoom classes or meetings.
19:52:50	 From  Elisabeth Maurer : Recognize the falling attendance numbers. We should be closing an elementary school and using the savings to help fund the School budget.
19:53:02	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Everyone deserves to be recognized during this pandemic, teachers are no different than others in the community. Can you imagine if your income went from 173K to 0K?
19:53:05	 From  Alison Anderson : But isn't the fund from the school budget? Allocated for the schools? Why is the town budget including "revenue" from schools? Do most towns do this?
19:53:39	 From  Kathleen Murdock  to  All panelists : The excess from the school budget always goes back to the town.
19:54:47	 From  Mary Ellen Foley  to  All panelists : Thank you Sean for hearing the voters’ voices
19:54:49	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : But cuts will be made already! Programs will be CUT!!! They will not bring them back during the year if money come back. 
19:54:57	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Take a poll!! 
19:55:02	 From  Kathleen Murdock : The excess from the school budget (in Ridgefield) goes back to the town. Perhaps this is something we should VOTE to change.
19:55:12	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Rudy is very good!
19:55:12	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Ask the community!!
19:55:52	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Don’t forget the State is in dire straights
19:56:10	 From  Stephanie Anderson  to  All panelists : The schools can not bring back teachers or programs part way through the year.
19:56:14	 From  Robin Collins : Concerned there is too much guessing on the opinion of the community instead of listening to the voices speaking.  
19:56:20	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : The impact of that will be felt in the next year or so with respect to likely reduction in ECS funding
19:56:25	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Exactly. 
19:56:35	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Pure speculation.
19:56:39	 From  Andrew Clavi  to  All panelists : The schools are the core of this community!!!
19:56:40	 From  Michael McNamara : Ask the town.  Why do you keep making assumptions?
19:56:45	 From  Mary Ellen Foley : How can you speak for people that have not voiced there opinions?
19:56:47	 From  Angela Rice  to  All panelists : With respect, perhaps the board should be concerned about the optics of choosing to cut funding to schools after the overwhelming majority of their constituents have clearly stated that this is something they do not want.
19:56:48	 From  Kathleen Murdock : There are absolutely savings to be had from not moving all these kids to school for the last 3+ months!! Do not strip the school budget because you don't have all the figures straight yet. When will you have that done???
19:56:55	 From  Bryan Kovalsky : Anecdotes over statistics?
19:57:01	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : optics?
19:57:13	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : 1.5 is NOT enough! YOU will be loose PROGRAMS!! Increase the mill rate!
19:57:25	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Save the schools!
19:57:46	 From  Alana DeVito  to  All panelists : it’s because the schools matter to everyone!
19:57:57	 From  Michael McNamara : Well then they should
19:58:19	 From  David Griffith : The quality of our schools are inextricably connected to the quality of our town.
19:58:19	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : let’s vote l.
19:58:22	 From  Michael McNamara : It passes by wide margins except for one year that I can remember
19:58:29	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Then we are all in the same place. We have NO voice!
19:58:34	 From  Robin Collins : So democracy is dead in Ridgefield?
19:58:40	 From  Kathleen Murdock : LET'S HAVE A VOTE!!
19:58:43	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Would you consider a small mil rate increase to compromise between zero and what the schools have asked for?
19:58:44	 From  Colette Kabasakalian  to  All panelists : Its 1106 as of May 9th, and its climbing
19:58:46	 From  Mary Ellen Foley : We have had our voting privileges withheld from the governor and it is your responsibility to represent the voices you have heard from through these weeks.
19:58:56	 From  Erica DiGrazia : So a decision is being made for a people who chose not to speak, versus those of us who are very active.
19:58:56	 From  Michael McNamara : Laid off teachers will have to leave
19:59:03	 From  Erica DiGrazia : VOTE
19:59:21	 From  Andrew Clavi  to  All panelists : Is there a differential in the bus contract considering buses will not have been in use since March?
19:59:25	 From  Elizabeth Karlan  to  All panelists : This is unbelievable, LISTEN to the citizens who are speaking! Take a vote!
19:59:30	 From  Jacqueline Molligo  to  All panelists : This is a year to be conservative with spending…wait to see what the coming months bring so the town can plan with real information. Also, how many people are listening to this meeting…only  a few hundred. If people want to be heard they need to participate.
19:59:33	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : If you can’t live with an increase of 1.5% then something is really wrong with how you are managing your business.
19:59:34	 From  Blake Murdock : EVERYONE gets to vote this November, and they should remember how our representatives vote today.
19:59:41	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : Without  a vote...you need to hear ALL our voices...not just a few...and the voices are STRONG for SCHOOLS !
19:59:45	 From  Elisabeth Maurer : Thank you Barbara for representing the silent majority.
19:59:49	 From  Colette Kabasakalian  to  All panelists : Maybe the committees should have met at the BOE.
19:59:53	 From  Michael McNamara : All of their terms are until 2023 Blake.
20:00:09	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : The PROGRAMS AND TEACHERS will be gone by then!!!! PLEASE understand that! 
20:00:18	 From  David Griffith : Why was this board loath to eliminate town jobs, and now they're suggesting a budget that will undeniably result in teacher layoffs?!?!?!?
20:00:21	 From  Michael La Barre  to  All panelists : Maybe I'm missing something here, but if the concern is that there are so many unemployed, why are we considering measures that would make for more unemployed? I don't get the logic.
20:00:28	 From  Erica DiGrazia : This is so sad. 
20:00:49	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : NO REDUCTION WITHOUT A VOTE! Who are ANY of you to decide which voices (esp in the MINORITY) weigh heavier than others!
20:00:57	 From  Karen Griffith : We don’t have a vote this year and all those who have put forward our opinions in letters, comments, and a poll are being discounted for the few who have voiced their opinion against this school budget?  That’s just wrong.
20:01:16	 From  Michael McNamara : Bob…Brookfield just did a 3.25% increase
20:01:17	 From  Sandra Mahoney  to  All panelists : Brookfield approved an increase.
20:01:17	 From  Jeanne Deming : Westport recommended over 3%. 
20:01:20	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Let's lead the way!!!! 
20:01:22	 From  Michael McNamara : Can a panelist please inform Bob of that!
20:01:26	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : we already spend less per student than every other district in our drg.
20:01:49	 From  Elizabeth Karlan  to  All panelists : The other schools in our DRG have more fat in their budget! We already spend WAY less on students!
20:01:54	 From  Elisabeth Maurer : I take exception to any threats to our Board of Selectmen. They always work very hard to represent the best interests of this Community.
20:02:06	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : the guy that wants to cut the budget doesn’t have a computer that works!
20:02:10	 From  Rayda Krell : We are so far behind other districts. If we had funded adequately in the past we could survive a 0% increase, but we have been scraping to stay reasonable each year and out district will not survive that again.
20:02:15	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : 1.5 is going to ruin the schools! People will leave and/or not come to Ridgefield!
20:02:23	 From  Angela Rice  to  All panelists : Yes Rayda
20:02:31	 From  Rayda Krell : Anyone can write the BOS privately.
20:02:45	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Err on the side of being a little high; the BOF has the final say but they will not go higher than what you suggest.
20:03:09	 From  Eileen McKeon  to  All panelists : then put it to a vote
20:03:15	 From  Sarah pettitt  to  All panelists : Then write, don’t speak at public comment.
20:03:17	 From  Rayda Krell : I have been at meeting with VERY organized opposition to school budgets. They are capable of organizing when they feel they have the support.
20:03:21	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Everyone has a voice. It is their choice if they use it. 
20:03:28	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : HOLD A VOTE BY MAIL!
20:03:29	 From  Natalie Vecchio : The MAIN reason people move here is for the school.  Without them this town has very little to attract and keep its population.
20:03:37	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : If you can’t run your business based on a 1.5% increase during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic then something is perversely wrong with how that entity is managed. It’s a crisis.
20:03:38	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : in this world of social media and extreme polarization, people are not shy about speaking up in this country or town !
20:03:59	 From  Michael La Barre  to  All panelists : That's a strange comparison to make though, unless you've positively heard from each and every member of the population. To say there are only 800 but so many other voices, the question is how many of those voices are in opposition to that 800?
20:04:14	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : The programs that are going to be hit the hardest are the Arts and electives. Please, do not do this. 
20:04:20	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : We have great schools, always have, they are not going to drop off the face of the earth
20:04:33	 From  Natalie Vecchio : People can drive 30 minutes for culture.
20:04:33	 From  Michael La Barre  to  All panelists : It's an assumption that the remainder are contrary. That's a logical fallacy
20:04:33	 From  Michael McNamara : Reminding them that we vote for them isn’t a threat.  By the way Bob, 800 signatures is 3.2% of the town in total.  There are 4500 students that can’t vote in that number, as well as spouses that didn’t sign.  And you’re making other numbers up too arbitrarily…defer 20,000 to 30,000 of what?
20:04:43	 From  Andrew Clavi  to  All panelists : Yes, Bob… And, that picture of our town starts with the schools!
20:04:46	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : NO ONE will come to this town without the programs to draw them. 
20:04:47	 From  David Griffith : We moved here for the schools. Period.
20:04:55	 From  Jennifer Variale  to  All panelists : I agree that RPS schools are a critical asset of Ridgefield.   Please don’t cut school funding.
20:04:57	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Class sizes over 30?  No freshman spots?  No school plays?  No math or reading help?
20:05:22	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : That’s what 1.5 will look like.
20:05:30	 From  Michael McNamara : Yes they do Bob.  You clearly don’t know anything about budgets.
20:05:34	 From  Angela Rice  to  All panelists : They cannot force the union to renegotiate
20:05:50	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : You are not going to the town union, but you want to go to the school unions?
20:05:51	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Sorry *sports
20:05:56	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : I agree with Bob Hebert, the BOE needs to manage it’s budget better. We are hamstrung by unions.
20:06:08	 From  Robin Collins : Very, very concerned that decisions are being made here on misinformation.  
20:06:18	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Trend?
20:06:26	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Bob, we are the responsible adults in RIDGEFIELD! We want our schools to be well funded!
20:06:29	 From  Steve Zipkin  to  All panelists : Without good schools our real estate values will go down dramatically!Bob, if you had your kids in school, you wouldn’t be speaking like this!
20:06:34	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : Bob are you saying we are irresponsible adults to want to MAINTAIN education in our town?
20:06:37	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Our schools ARE well funded
20:06:39	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : I agree with you Robin, hold a VOTE!
20:06:45	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : when people don’t
20:06:47	 From  Rayda Krell : Yes, when families no longer move to Ridgefield, yes Main St.  will not survive.
20:06:47	 From  Angela Rice  to  All panelists : ^^
20:06:49	 From  Michael McNamara : Panelists, please call him on the accuracy of his numbers.  He is spouting right wing rhetoric.
20:06:50	 From  Blake Murdock : Maybe a teacher could show Bob how to use his computer?
20:06:52	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Right now they are well funded
20:06:59	 From  Natalie Vecchio : You need people moving and staying here to support the business on Main St.  Why would they move or stay here for a B school when they can go next door for an A school.
20:07:07	 From  Michael La Barre  to  All panelists : My point is the whole reason for referendums: to get the voice of the whole population. We don't have that for this process, so whoever has taken the steps to make their voice heard are the only positive data we have to make such a decision. Those who have not spoken should not be presumed to stand on one side or another.
20:07:09	 From  Terry Kim  to  All panelists : Town and schools, spiraling down together.
20:07:42	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Our children will be taking care of our future! Please remember that.
20:07:47	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Everyone worried about our schools are crying henny penny the sky is falling …
20:07:54	 From  Stephanie Anderson  to  All panelists : First meeting: 15 people spoke for the school budget. 3 against, plus 1 BOF member. Second meeting: 11 people spoke for the BOE budget. 1 against. 3rd meeting: 8 people spoke for the budget. 0 against. You received 800 signatures today. Yet you completely discount that these people are taxpayers and the people who vote for you. You are basically saying that anyone who has kids, who supports the schools does not have a voice in this town. The only people who have a voice in this town is are the people who don’t speak up? Thank you to Sean for listening to taxpayers who want to pay for our schools.
20:07:57	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : my family be here to spend money on Main Street if you I find our sshcolZ
20:08:01	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : schools
20:08:09	 From  David Griffith : Precisely 1,725 people voted in  last year's agenda. How many people sent letters and completed the survey in support of our school budget?!?!?!
20:08:19	 From  Phil Banette  to  All panelists : What happens if we need to split classes for social distancing where will get the funds for extra teachers?
20:08:31	 From  David Griffith : #budget
20:09:04	 From  Michael McNamara : It’s actually 1.32 million not 2.
20:09:24	 From  Erica DiGrazia : So many people who went to school here 30-40 years ago have moved back (or have stayed in town) to raise their families in Ridgefield because of the schools and because of the community. Let's not let this slip away. This town has something very special, and I'm deeply saddened how this board doesn't see the need to fund the school adequately.
20:09:32	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : $2M in raises … when the rest of the world falls by the wayside. Talk about being hamstrung by unions…
20:09:42	 From  Kelly Feeney : Why is the majority not being heard here?
20:09:47	 From  Alison Anderson : Yes Sean
20:09:49	 From  Jeanne Deming : Thanks for the facts Sean.
20:09:51	 From  Elizabeth Karlan  to  All panelists : THANK YOU, SEAN!!
20:09:53	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : yes!
20:09:54	 From  Jennifer Carter : Yes Sean!
20:10:04	 From  Kathleen Murdock : Absolutely!! We are way below our surrounding communities!
20:10:05	 From  C B : #facts
20:10:09	 From  Robin Collins : Thank you for taking the time to fact check, Sean.
20:10:12	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Who cares about other towns, we care about Ridgefield
20:10:15	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : YES, SEAN!! Don't be proud to spend less on kids!!
20:10:33	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : I agree Erica and yes thanks for fact checking Sean! #facts
20:10:40	 From  Steve Zipkin  to  All panelists : You go Sean... Tell Bob to research the facts!!!
20:10:49	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Thank you Sean
20:11:03	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : Please use $800,000 as a very good number that the schools will be giving back to the town and re-consider Barbara’s suggestion to roll that back in.  You know that money will be coming in from savings of being closed from March 13 to June 17.
20:11:08	 From  Mary Ellen Foley : Thank you Sean!
20:11:12	 From  Kathleen Murdock : https://www.autismspeaks.org/press-release/cdc-estimate-autism-prevalence-increases-nearly-10-percent-1-54-children-us?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjtXX9Mav6QIVEI-GCh38VgIyEAAYASAAEgIqAfD_BwE
20:11:16	 From  Rayda Krell : From 1994 to 2009, Ridgefield never had less than 4.58% increae in the BOE budget.
20:11:19	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Thank you SEAN
20:11:22	 From  Karen Griffith : Thank you Sean.  Bob, you should do your research before you make unsubstantiated and incorrect claims.
20:11:23	 From  Jeanne Deming : These are cuts of teachers and other human capital  - no fat in this budget. 
20:11:31	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Ugh. “I can’t live on a 2.96% increase.”
20:11:39	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : 1.5 will mean a lot more job loss.
20:11:41	 From  Rayda Krell : We listen. We care. We pay taxes.
20:11:41	 From  Jeanne Deming : REAL IMPACT on kids. Yes. 
20:11:44	 From  Erica DiGrazia : YESSSSSSS
20:11:45	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : yes Sean!!!
20:11:47	 From  Elizabeth Karlan  to  All panelists : School staff and their families contribute to the economy of this town!
20:11:50	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : Finally, someone who demonstrates an understanding of what schools do and what they so desperately need. Thank you, Sean!
20:11:59	 From  David Griffith : 1.5% increase = cutting jobs, programing, etc.
20:12:00	 From  Eliza Baker : Thank you, Sean!
20:12:10	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : No one will want to live in Ridgefield with class sizes of 30+.
20:12:12	 From  Kelly Feeney : Thank you, Sean!
20:12:13	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : 1.5 increase shouldn’t be a cut in ANYTHING
20:12:18	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Think about that
20:12:19	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : That’s what 1.5 will do.
20:12:27	 From  Jon Hayner : Thank you, Sean!
20:12:31	 From  Andrew Clavi  to  All panelists : Thank you, Sean!
20:12:31	 From  Michael McNamara : Thanks for actually looking at the budget Sean.
20:12:31	 From  Natalie Vecchio : REAL IMPACT on kids, jobs, and property.
20:12:32	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : They need to reallocate $ to deal with the new situation
20:12:54	 From  David Griffith : Thank you, Sean. 
20:13:10	 From  Stephanie Anderson  to  All panelists : And again, you can’t add back teachers or programs back in once school starts.
20:13:14	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : Go Barbara!  Set the record straight.  No his point was inaccurate.
20:13:15	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : but if we voted the budget may have passed. again- let’s vote.
20:13:17	 From  Lisa Perry  to  All panelists : The mental health and academic needs of the kids will be significant when they return to school.  They will need more support, not less!
20:13:19	 From  Mary Ellen Foley : We are the lowest in our drg. Befoe covid costs, we would need to spend $1600 per pupil to catch up to the 8th ranked district in our DRG.
20:13:20	 From  Erica DiGrazia : We'll get our kids to write letters
20:13:25	 From  Michael McNamara : Well, you didn’t poll the town, Bob.
20:13:29	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : 800 was only over 3 days. Would have been way more with more time
20:13:43	 From  Michael McNamara : If they’re silent let them speak up
20:13:45	 From  Natalie Vecchio : you can’t say majority without a vote
20:13:54	 From  David Griffith : 1,725 people voted last year. Where is this "silent majority"?
20:13:54	 From  Sarah pettitt  to  All panelists : silent majority?
20:14:14	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : where is your data to prove that statement? who is the “silent majority”
20:14:17	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : They are not the silent MAJORITY. They ARE silent, but how can you state the are a majority?  Where are you getting that information??
20:14:26	 From  Blake Murdock : Let Barbara speak.
20:14:29	 From  Karen Griffith : Barbara should be allowed to speak.
20:14:29	 From  Cheryl Osher : Let's vote.
20:14:34	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : WE are not Bridgeport or Washington
20:14:38	 From  Natalie Vecchio : Those towns are not comps for us
20:14:49	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : There is a silent population... it doesn't mean it is a silent majority.
20:15:08	 From  Rayda Krell : Thank you for acknowledging teachers, Barbara!
20:15:19	 From  Jennifer Carter : You won’t get to keep those wonderful teachers if you don’t fund the budget
20:15:30	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : so let’s cut the teachers and admin salaries?
20:15:34	 From  Rachel Marino : being the lowest spenders in our DRG is nothing to be proud of.  
20:15:35	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Where are the teachers going to go?
20:15:47	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Sports are gone this spring
20:15:52	 From  Joy Craig  to  All panelists : 1.5 will mean those wonderful teachers and programs at our wonderful schools will be cut.
20:15:52	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : The teacher positions will already be cut when special appropriation happens.
20:15:55	 From  Alison Anderson : It will be too late for those teachers cut and programs eliminated
20:15:57	 From  Lisa Perry  to  All panelists : It will be too late at that point.
20:16:05	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Special Appropriations will not help! Teachers and programs will be gone!
20:16:06	 From  Karen Griffith : While we appreciate that Barbara, the damage will already be done.  Cuts will happen now and our district will be changed.
20:16:29	 From  Jennifer Carter : You are right Karen! It will be too late
20:16:34	 From  Michael McNamara : Special appropriations don’t do anything, they will cut.
20:16:46	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Money obviously is not the answer; important, but not the most important thing. Management and quality of teacher is. Like I do well in my career, money is my prime motivator.
20:16:49	 From  Colette Kabasakalian  to  All panelists : Maureen you are right the BOE should freeze the $2Mill in increases to salaries
20:16:51	 From  Rachel Marino : Why do the BOS not value our schools?  Cutting our budget lowers our property values
20:17:03	 From  Allison Romeo  to  All panelists : 1.5 will be devastating
20:17:25	 From  JoAnn Kish  to  All panelists : I’m with you Bob
20:17:29	 From  Michael McNamara : They said 2.76%…1.5% is not close at all
20:17:33	 From  Liz Van Duyne : not close
20:17:36	 From  David Griffith : Wow.
20:17:38	 From  Jennifer Carter : Not even close
20:17:40	 From  Allison Romeo : 1.5 will be devastating
20:17:43	 From  Erica DiGrazia : WOAH
20:17:43	 From  Judy Silver : 1.5% will destroy our schools!
20:17:48	 From  Rachel Marino : 1.5 is decimating our schools
20:17:53	 From  LINDA HAINES  to  All panelists : 1.5 will be devastating to the children
20:17:55	 From  Jennifer Variale  to  All panelists : 1.5 is too low!
20:17:57	 From  Karen Griffith : This is devastating.
20:18:01	 From  Joy Craig  to  All panelists : 1.5 can't work!
20:18:04	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Your vote is going to ruin the programs. It will be too late! 
20:18:07	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : so sad...
20:18:09	 From  Phil Banette  to  All panelists : What you cut out of the BOE will never come back!
20:18:10	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : Devastating!
20:18:17	 From  Rachel Marino : BOS LISTEN TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS.  don't cut our school budget
20:18:20	 From  Jennifer Carter : It will come down to programs and teachers, and we won’t get those back
20:18:27	 From  Jeanne Deming : This is not support Mr. Marconi
20:18:30	 From  Liz Wronski  to  All panelists : This is shocking and disappointing. I don’t know how you plan to attract people to Ridgefield if you tear down the schools to nothing.
20:18:30	 From  jessica mancini : It is a non-binding recommendation.
20:18:30	 From  Cheryl Osher : Why is 1.5 the only motion??  Please someone speak up!!
20:18:33	 From  Michael McNamara : This is not support, Rudy.
20:18:38	 From  Rachel Marino : this is not supporting our schools
20:18:43	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : TEACHERS and PROGRAMS will be cut!!! Do you get you can't get them back that easily???
20:18:43	 From  Terry Kim  to  All panelists : cannot have it both ways I'm afraid, I wish it were otherwise.
20:18:56	 From  Rachel Marino : this is absolutely unacceptable.  
20:18:57	 From  Jeanne Deming : Great teachers will go where they are valued. 
20:19:00	 From  Joy Craig  to  All panelists : This pandemic will effect our future for sure, and our students are the hope for the future.
20:19:06	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : Hamstrung by a UNION…great
20:19:06	 From  JoAnn Kish : Devasr
20:19:07	 From  David Griffith : People WILL be laid off, Rudy.
20:19:08	 From  Kelly Feeney : You are cutting teachers and programs with 1.5.
20:19:12	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Absolutely disheartening.
20:19:13	 From  Judy Silver : Teachers will lose jobs!
20:19:14	 From  Jennifer Carter : Of course we will have to lay people off
20:19:17	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : You all just killed Ridgefield.
20:19:25	 From  Cheryl Osher : Short-sighted.
20:19:26	 From  Jennifer Carter : I don’t understand AT ALL
20:19:27	 From  Jeanne Deming : We do NOT understand Mr. Marconi
20:19:28	 From  Michael McNamara : Deaf ears.
20:19:33	 From  Rachel Marino : you are punishing our children - the people who are really hurt by this are our students.  j
20:19:35	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : shameful
20:19:40	 From  Matt Haynos  to  All panelists : If the union is smart, they don’t hand out raises and they keep people employed
20:19:44	 From  Elisabeth Maurer  to  All panelists : Thanks to the BOS!
20:19:49	 From  Mary Walsh  to  All panelists : our poor children...
20:20:02	 From  David Griffith : The number says it all.
20:20:02	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : Double DEVIL
20:20:07	 From  Rachel Marino : Wow.  I have never been so ashamed to be a resident of Ridgefeidl
20:20:09	 From  Jennifer Carter : I for one will definitely remember this meeting at the next town election
20:20:12	 From  Elizabeth Karlan  to  All panelists : Unbelievable
20:20:18	 From  Natalie Vecchio : Same Jennifer
20:20:21	 From  Lisa Perry  to  All panelists : Heart breaking for these kids
20:20:21	 From  Rayda Krell : My children are watching.
20:20:27	 From  Rachel Marino : agree-  I remember how little you all value our schools and OUR CHILDREN
20:20:28	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : I am so disappointed. Can't believe you gave up on our kids. 
20:20:30	 From  Stephanie Anderson  to  All panelists : Well, I think you just taught all Ridgefield children that there is no point in speaking up for what you believe in.
20:20:39	 From  Michael McNamara : Me too.  We need to run candidates who listen to the constituents.  Good luck with the silent majority in 2023.
20:20:44	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : My kids are watching too. 
20:20:54	 From  Melissa Ettere  to  All panelists : We’ll remember your support, Sean. And we’ll remember the rest of you next election.
20:21:03	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : 5-0 
20:21:04	 From  Terry Kim  to  All panelists : I sincerely hope Ridgefield will not be remembered as the town which used to have a good school system.
20:21:15	 From  Mira Jensen  to  All panelists : I don’t believe the BOS values our schools. Thank you SeN
20:21:18	 From  David Griffith : Shameful.
20:21:28	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Maybe the BOF were listening to us. 
20:21:37	 From  Rayda Krell : Onward.
20:21:48	 From  Rachel Marino : This is horrifying.  I am ashamed for the BOS.  How DARE you not listen to your constituents 
20:21:49	 From  Andrew Clavi  to  All panelists : Maybe they didn’t have their chat open?  I can’t believe this…
20:21:53	 From  Marc Colamaria  to  All panelists : hey we still have our triple A rating!
20:22:05	 From  Erica DiGrazia : Pure speculation.
20:22:20	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : They did not listen. So disappointing. 
20:22:42	 From  David Griffith : Save the town employees but forsake your teachers?!?!?!?
20:22:42	 From  JoAnn Kish : it’s not a cut still a increase
20:22:45	 From  Ed Tyrrell : Great work by our entire Board of Selectmen.  Thank you for your service!!
20:22:56	 From  Robert Ceccarini : still an increase
20:23:16	 From  Blake Murdock : People get laid off when you cut the budget.
20:23:24	 From  Mira Jensen  to  All panelists : Without strong schools, where teachers are values,
20:23:35	 From  Rachel Marino : if you keep cutting people will lose their jobs.  End of story.  
20:23:41	 From  Mira Jensen  to  All panelists : I
20:23:48	 From  Lisa Turco  to  All panelists : but ok for teachers to get laid off?
20:23:53	 From  Colette Kabasakalian  to  All panelists : Thank you all for your hard work and open mindedness.  There are over 1106 people who applied for unemployment and it is increasing with the newly added 1099 workers being allowed to apply
20:23:58	 From  David Griffith : That's a punt.
20:23:58	 From  John Goetz : 1229 Ridgefielders (minimum) have already been laid off.
20:23:58	 From  Jill Bornstein  to  All panelists : I believe its an opportunity for the BOE to go back to the Union and see if they would consider deferring their raises for a year
20:24:04	 From  Jennifer Carter : How disappointing
20:24:10	 From  Michelle DiMiceli : My kids are so upset. They are worried about their teachers and classes. Shame
20:24:16	 From  Colleen McGuirk : Very disappointing.
20:24:23	 From  Judy Silver : Been a teacher here 15 years, and this is a DISGRACE!