Westport, CT|News|
Board of Ed Approves $111.5 Million Budget, Up Just Over 2%
"The board also approved recently an additional 30 minutes of music instruction in kindergarten."

David.Gurliacci@patch.com
203.822.2603
Hometown: Darien, Connecticut
I joined the school paper at Darien High School and had a blast. At Trinity College in Hartford, I wrote an opinion column for the student newspaper and found that writing was what I wanted to do. I've been addicted ever since.
I've worked at various newspapers in Massachusetts and New York state before moving back to Fairfield County, where I worked at the Norwalk Hour, covering Westport, then cops and then courts.
I later worked as a correspondent for The Advocate and was then a reporter for the Fairfield County Business Journal and its sister publication in Westchester, then did more freelance work, including some for HersamAcorn's New Canaan Advertiser.
I used to do the daily New York Times crossword, but now I prefer the KenKen puzzle. I have a serious bibliophilia problem (please contribute to the cause: we can wipe out bibliophilia in a short time if we all switch to Kindle and burn all the paper books). In theaters, I see about 40 movies a year of all types except horror, and now I'm seeing a lot more on Netflix. Historic sites and hiking trails interest me. One day I will see more Shakespeare plays. I play no sports. My cooking skills are limited, but people love my apple pies.
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I believe democracy only works with an informed citizenry, and no system of government works all that well. I think human nature has enough flaws in it that we'll never do better than make some improvements in society, but improving it is vitally important. As a journalist, I'm not here to make those improvements. I'm here to report all the relevant facts about problems and issues, and do it in a way that sparks the interest of people.
Are you registered with a certain party?
No.
How religious would you consider yourself?
I'm a Catholic who goes to Mass.
"The board also approved recently an additional 30 minutes of music instruction in kindergarten."

The National Weather Service says that much snow could fall, but meteorologists say the forecast is uncertain.
The National Weather Service says that much snow could fall, but meteorologists say the forecast is uncertain.
The National Weather Service says that much snow could fall, but meteorologists say the forecast is uncertain.
The National Weather Service says that much snow could fall, but meteorologists say the forecast is uncertain.
The National Weather Service says that much snow could fall, but meteorologists say the forecast is uncertain.
The National Weather Service says that much snow could fall, but meteorologists say the forecast is uncertain.
The National Weather Service says that much snow could fall, but meteorologists say the forecast is uncertain.
Police said they drew their guns on the man shortly after he left the store and saw him throw away a pellet gun.
Police said they drew their guns on the man shortly after he left the store and saw him throw away a pellet gun.
Huge flames and lots of smoke came out of a Salvation Army truck on fire at midday Thursday in downtown New Canaan.
Tuesday's crash at a grade crossing in Westchester County was the deadliest in the railroad's history.
Tuesday's crash at a grade crossing in Westchester County was the deadliest in the railroad's history.
Tuesday's crash at a grade crossing in Westchester County was the deadliest in the railroad's history.
Tuesday's crash at a grade crossing in Westchester County was the deadliest in the railroad's history.
A study of 69 Connecticut cities and towns found that insuring a vehicle in New Canaan is a bit less expensive than in most communities.
A study of 69 Connecticut cities and towns found that insuring a vehicle in Manchester is less expensive than in most communities.
A study of 69 Connecticut cities and towns found that insuring a vehicle in Westport is a bit less expensive than in most communities.
A study of 69 Connecticut cities and towns found that insuring a vehicle in Ridgefield is a bit less expensive than in most communities.
A study of 69 Connecticut cities and towns found that insuring a vehicle in Wilton is a bit less expensive than in most communities.