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Column by Joe Kelly: Key to Building Success is Cooperation

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By Joe Kelly

As the Chairman of the Board of Education, I have seen firsthand the importance of cooperation when it comes to school building committees and budgets. It is crucial that all members of a committee have a voice and that decisions are made with the best interest of the entire community in mind. In my role, I have worked to bring diverse perspectives to the table and create an environment where everyone feels heard and represented.

One of the challenges we face as a town is the sheer number of building committees we have working right now. This can make decision-making for the BET (Board of Estimate and Taxation), the BOE (Board of Education), the First Selectman’s office and the individual committees more complicated and time-consuming, especially when it comes to major projects like school construction.

To address this, we are researching what some other towns do successfully, and will present possible long-term solutions in the near future. In the meantime, the town of Greenwich is fortunate to have many talented volunteers who have been tasked with overseeing multi-million dollar projects and I know we will all do our best to work within the system as it is now structured.

When it comes to budgets, there will always be disagreements and differing opinions on how funds should be allocated. However, it is important to remember that we are all working toward the same goal of providing the best education possible for our children. When a majority vote is reached, it is crucial that all members of a committee support that decision and work together to move forward.

Overall, I believe that the key to success in school building committees and budgets is cooperation. By working together, we can achieve our goals and ensure that our schools are the best they can be. Negative attitudes and criticism are not helpful in this process. Instead, I encourage those with concerns or suggestions to come forward with positive, constructive ideas that can help move us forward. We all have a stake in the education of our children, and by working together, we can create a brighter future for them.

Currently, we have a total of four separate building committees working on various projects. These include Central Middle School, Old Greenwich Elementary School, Julian Curtiss Elementary School, and the entrance to Greenwich High School.

Under the leadership of Stephen Walko, who has chaired both the Hamilton Avenue School Rebuild and the New Lebanon School Rebuild successfully, the GHS Front Entry Committee is moving forward in a positive direction.

Another project that is currently underway is the renovation of Julian Curtis Elementary School. This project has been divided into phases to address the most pressing issues first, such as making the building ADA-compliant and improving security. This is a strategic approach that allows us to address the most urgent needs while working towards the larger goal of a general overhaul of the building.

Recently, there has been debate over the allocation of funds for the Old Greenwich building committee. While the BOE requested a larger amount than the BET was prepared to allocate, we all agreed that it is important for this committee to continue its work gathering information and making decisions that will positively impact the future of Old Greenwich elementary school. This is why an allocation by the BET of $1.1 million in the 2024 capital budget was made, to keep this committee moving forward.

I also want to address some concerns regarding the Central Middle School building committee. We represent a large number of people, and it’s important that we move forward with decision making to ensure the project progresses in a timely manner. Unfortunately, there have been individuals who are not satisfied with the majority vote.

I want to stress that when you serve on a committee, you are representing the community. When decisions need to be made, it’s crucial that the majority’s vote is supported. It’s important to note that committee members have plenty of time to make their case before the vote, and if they are unable to persuade others, they need to accept the majority’s decision.

The success of public projects relies heavily on the ability to work together and respect the decisions made by the majority. If we can’t do that, we hinder progress and create more problems than solutions. I urge all committee members to put aside personal opinions and support the decisions made by the majority to ensure the Central Middle School building project is a success.

It’s important to remember that the bigger the project, the more important it is to have everyone working together towards a common goal. As Board of Education Chairman, I remain committed to ensuring the success of the Central Middle School building project and appreciate all those who are working diligently towards this goal.

Let’s continue to work together and move forward in a positive direction.

Joe Kelly was recently unanimously elected as the Board of Education Chairman.

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