Board of Ed Has a New Look

After Thursday evening's proceedings, the Board of Education has a new configuration.

The organizational meeting featured votes for a new chairman, a new vice chairman, and a new secretary. Gilmore Bray and Karen Birck switched spots as a result, with Bray elected to the chairman's role and Birck stepping into the vice chairman's role with a 4-2 victory over James Saxe.

"Before I pass the gavel to Gil, I just want to say what a rewarding experience it has been to lead the Wilton Board of Education," Birck said. "It has truly been a pleasure and I've developed a deep appreciation for everyone skill and professionalism here."

There was some confusion over Bray's election. Initially the ballots were tallied, indicating he had won 5-1. But Bray subsequently said that the reading was in error and his election was, in fact, unanimous.

James Saxe, meanwhile, was re-elected as the board's secretary 6-0.

The board also approved its consent agenda, which Bray summarized for the audience as a set of issues that are non-controversial, and which the board lumps together and votes to approve at the beginning of their meetings so they can move through them quickly.

Lastly, the board reviewed procedures for efficient meetings, including how questions are directed to the superintendent. Currently, any questions to Dr. Richards must move through the board chairman.

"I feel that it stifles conversation," Saxe said.

Birck, meanwhile, said it is a way of making meetings run more smoothly. Questions posed in meetings are often complex and require research, she said, so continually asking them and getting this response is something of a waste of time.

Ultimately, the board decided to mull the issue further and table it until their next meeting in January.