Tenor of New Lebanon School Debate Criticized by Greenwich Selectmen

Photo: Greenwich Board of Selectmen meet Dec. 3, 2015. Credit: Barbara Heins.

As debate continues over plans to build a new New Lebanon School in Byram, it seems that the gloves have come off and at least one critic is accusing the Board of Selectmen of a “politically motivated bureaucratic delay.”

At Thursday’s inaugural meeting of the selectmen who were sworn in Sunday, Selectman Drew Marzullo criticized the tenor of some residents’ comments and described some as “outright lies.”

Marzullo, who is an ex-officio member of the New Lebanon School Building Committee, said he and his colleagues have received hundreds of emails regarding which design plan should be selected for the new school, and continue to encourage feedback from residents and parents.

However, Marzullo said he is dismayed by several emails including one sent by Representative Town Meeting Member Romulo E. Samaniego from District 4, which includes the Byram neighborhood where the school is located.

Samaniego wrote to Marzullo, “I do not understand why the BOS assume they have some authority over the type of school that is to be built. The process to determine what type of school and where it should be located has taken place. As a newly elected RTM member I am appalled at what appears to be a politically motivated bureaucratic delay that is stalling the construction of the elementary school for children of Greenwich who are predominantly of color. It appears that the BOS have a collective “we know better stance” that has a quasi condescending tone.”

Marzullo said he was incredulous that Samaniego would “inject race into the discussion is just beyond pale. My whole life has been about equality…. This is just insulting.” He added, “emails like that do not help especially when it is not warranted and not based on fact.”

Before Marzullo spoke, First Selectman Peter Tesei said, “As we go forward and follow charter responsibility we do so with civility and with respect as we proceed.

Unfortunately when that does not happen, discussion exceeds acceptable discourse, we are going to make a point to call people on it.” Tesei added, “This does not lend itself to civil discourse and a civil society. We should look to be setting an example for our young people.”

Tesei then read a letter all three selectmen sent Board of Ed Chair Laura Erickson outlining the board’s concerns with building Option 1 that was recommended by the building committee to the school board Thursday night.

The plan would build the multi-story school to the rear of the existing Mead Avenue school and keeping students in the current facility during construction runs counter to what the selectmen conceptually approved in June.

The selectmen are concerned that Option 1 uses more of the ravine, has the school closer to I-95 and will eliminate the availability of the William Street ballfield for recreation for a longer period of time. Town Attorney Wayne Fox has ruled that because of those changes in what the selectmen originally approved for Municipal Improvement status, the school board would have to withdraw the original plan, submit the new plan for review and approval by the selectmen.

In an effort to achieve racial balance and close the district’s student achievement gap, the school board is seeking approvals to build a magnet school to attract students from outside the New Lebanon school district. The new facility is expected to cost about $32 million.

The school board will be meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at New Lebanon School.