Parents outraged over proposed education changes for fourth and fifth graders in Madison.

Parents Frustrated Over Proposed Changes to School Programs

MADISON, CT (WFSB) – Families in Madison are expressing their frustration over plans to change school programs for fourth and fifth graders.

There’s a new school being built just down the road from the existing one called Neck River Elementary. Because of that, both schools will have to share teachers.

Plenty of parents at Brown Intermediate School feel that the quality of education for fourth and fifth graders are going to be reduced because of the proposed plans.

“Frank Henderson, the principal, set up a really great program that’s been beneficial for kids for many years and they’re taking that away and its really going to be impactful in the building of confidence,” said Paul Cislo, who has twin fourth graders.

He’s concerned after learning the news from the superintendent.

Many of the classes could go from being taught several days a week to just once a week.

“It’s going to be going backwards for my sons who are going to fifth grade. And it’s going to affect their confidence and feel kind of humiliating,” continued Cislo.

He believes that there’s a more efficient way for the schools to be equal instead of cutting classes for older students.

“I think we should always strive to do the same or better for our kids than we had. They’re getting a great education here and we want that next year to be the same or better than the previous year. And this reflects going backwards,” he said.

Channel 3 has reached out for a comment from the district’s superintendent but has not heard back.

The district will hold an informational meeting on January 23rd.

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