News
Let Them Eat Cake
How much tax money does West Hartford's Board of Education spend on catered meals for itself? They won't tell us.
Comments (25)Thursday, March 27, 2008
The current West Hartford school budget is close to $118 million, about $11,670 per student. According to the CIA World Factbook, this is more than the per capita income of 141 of Earth's 230 nations.
According to the board of education it's still not enough to teach the kids, so they're requesting an extra $7.5 million next year.
There's already grumbling in town about how taxes, once again, are rising higher than inflation. And since the school budget is over 60 percent of the town's total, much of that grumbling's directed toward school spending. It's mostly off-the-record, though, because people who speak against school spending are branded as selfish.
The budget's not presented in a line-item form that lists individual expenses. So when we first heard complaints about the board allegedly having breakfasts and lunches catered to meetings on the taxpayers' dime, we didn't know if this was a big deal or not because we couldn't go to the budget and read "Refreshments: X dollars."
Are we talking "coffee and donuts" or "five-course banquets"? A woman at the Avon Board of Ed. said she usually makes coffee for meetings; Simsbury said they'll provide a meal if they are scheduled back-to-back during the dinner hour. This sounds reasonable; is that what West Hartford's doing?
It'll be simple to ask the board of ed. about this, we thought. Their offices are right on the top floor of town hall. So we stopped by and were eventually referred to Chip Ward, the finance director, who responded to our question with a friendly smile and the suggestion that we make a Freedom of Information request. We handed over the FOI letter we'd printed out in case he said that.
When writing FOI requests, remember that if the person wanted to give you this info, you wouldn't be jumping through FOI hoops to begin with. So you must word your letter carefully, lest you leave a loophole through which the answer can escape.
Alas, we goofed. Our Feb. 6 letter asked, among other things, the cost and number of catered meals provided at board of education meetings. Ward's response, dated Feb. 14 and received Feb. 28, said: "Catered meals are not provided at board of education meetings. They have been provided at an ad hoc basis at special meetings." Oops. Ward mentioned one meal that cost $254.15, and was listed in the budget under "Communications."
Our next letter on Feb. 29 was much wordier and covered (we hope) all meetings having anything to do with the board in any official capacity. Ward's response, dated March 5, said "please be advised that as we are in the midst of budget preparation, it will take several weeks to compile the information requested."
Which means we didn't get it before the school budget hearing on March 27. So how much money are we talking about here? We have no idea. ¦
Write to us at editor@hartfordadvocate.com
or jabel@hartfordadvocate.com
Comments (25)
Jennifer, I sit on the Education Liason Committee as a West Hartford Town Councilor and will ask for the information you request regarding anything to do with Meals, catering,or sandwich costs. If the Board of Ed truly is spending beyond and above what is considered appropriate in these financial times I will let you and the public know. Also I have already requested the same data from the Town manager regarding the Town side of the budget and Food as I patiently await his response.
Posted by Joe Visconti on 3.25.08 at 11.34
Jennifer, you are so wonderful for exposing the truth. Bless you. I am assuming the town councilors don't get meals due to Councilor Visconti's inquiry on BOE meals. If this is the case, then I guess this example could prove that the BOE shouldn't get them, eh?
How about that mini golf course going back into the budget? Why are pensions and salaries increasing at all this year. This year's budget should have no increases at all - can anyone say hiring freeze? Salary freeze? Bonuses & vacation buy back freeze? Please God, when will this end? This is insanity. How many people have lost their jobs in the past week? or will be in the next phase of layoffs?
Why won't people vote these people out of office? They vote down the budget, but, wouldn't vote these liars out of office. Why?
How about that mini golf course going back into the budget? Why are pensions and salaries increasing at all this year. This year's budget should have no increases at all - can anyone say hiring freeze? Salary freeze? Bonuses & vacation buy back freeze? Please God, when will this end? This is insanity. How many people have lost their jobs in the past week? or will be in the next phase of layoffs?
Why won't people vote these people out of office? They vote down the budget, but, wouldn't vote these liars out of office. Why?
Posted by Anon on 3.25.08 at 12.32
Maybe the town manager is considering retirement - the meal budget is down but the pension and benefits have been increased.
Posted by anonymous on 3.25.08 at 20.31
catered meals within the state board of ed, the local board of ed, the schools themselve...and specialized foster care...ITS Standard Operating Procedure for them
if you want information...follow the catering trucks...the are white vans with red lettering on them., well the ones in Hartford do.......make friendly chat with the drivers...they have a wealth of information
if you want information...follow the catering trucks...the are white vans with red lettering on them., well the ones in Hartford do.......make friendly chat with the drivers...they have a wealth of information
Posted by cherry on 3.26.08 at 1.26
How much money does the prez of the taxpayers association spend on private school? I can't afford both WH taxes and private school. Make a choice and leave town if you can't afford both. Also, what kind of car does she drive? I drive older model cars and pay them off within a year.
Posted by SK on 3.26.08 at 12.47
So what does the above comment have to do with whether or not the BOE is spending tax dollars properly?
The prez of the WHTA is not a woman, and as far as I know his kids are in public school.
And again what difffernce what the car is, the question is whether or not Tax dollars are being wasted. Given the financial situation you describe for yourself I would think that you'd have the same concerns.
The prez of the WHTA is not a woman, and as far as I know his kids are in public school.
And again what difffernce what the car is, the question is whether or not Tax dollars are being wasted. Given the financial situation you describe for yourself I would think that you'd have the same concerns.
Posted by Anonymous on 3.26.08 at 17.35
Jennifer, it's embarrassing that Chip Ward tells you to get an FOI request. Is he the King or something? He's a public servant and the information belongs to the public. By the way, whether you are a member of the BOE or the Town Council, you are a VOLUNTEER who really wanted to be there so, make your own lunch like every other person does!!! We've had enough of "extra" expenses taking money from our children.
Posted by Chris Torino on 3.27.08 at 1.56
I am disappointed that Ms. Abel hasn't bothered to ask any board member about something like this, but has pestered Chip Ward about what I estimate to be less than $500 spent over the last year on food for board of education members. Chip is in the midst of preparing a budget in which that amount of money wouldn't even be a blip. Why don't you ask a board member about this?
We have had meals at two board retreats, because we are doing business during our dinner time. I'm not sure what you mean by "catered," but one of these meals was at a restaurant, and one was at the Town Hall. The one at Town Hall was more like "take out" than "catered." Other than that, those of us who do expulsion hearings often wind up doing them over the dinner hour, and we get sandwiches for that. That might happen every other month, and it would involve three sandwiches. In short, it is very little money that is spent to allow your unpaid elected officials to do board work during time when most people would rather be home with their families.
And if some people begrudge an elected official a meal of two over the course of a year's worth of unpaid work, I do feel sorry for them. That seems amazingly ungrateful to the people -- of both parties -- who devote a lot of hours to the town that they love.
We have had meals at two board retreats, because we are doing business during our dinner time. I'm not sure what you mean by "catered," but one of these meals was at a restaurant, and one was at the Town Hall. The one at Town Hall was more like "take out" than "catered." Other than that, those of us who do expulsion hearings often wind up doing them over the dinner hour, and we get sandwiches for that. That might happen every other month, and it would involve three sandwiches. In short, it is very little money that is spent to allow your unpaid elected officials to do board work during time when most people would rather be home with their families.
And if some people begrudge an elected official a meal of two over the course of a year's worth of unpaid work, I do feel sorry for them. That seems amazingly ungrateful to the people -- of both parties -- who devote a lot of hours to the town that they love.
Posted by Terry Schmitt on 3.27.08 at 3.59
The meal problem is only the tip of the iceberg. It appears that the "public" Board of Education is both devious and secretive. They constantly avoid any public responsibility, and only cater to the wishes of the education establishment. Meanwhile, the West Hartford system is not the vaunted system it boasts about itself, and any thinking person could accomplish as much--if not more--on a much smaller budget. I believe the BOE should be ousted completely.
Posted by Dr. Francis Dilion, Ph.D. on 3.27.08 at 4.21
Terry Schmitt you can eat your meals at home or bring a bag dinner. Who the heck do you think you are that the taxpayer should pay for your food? Ungrateful? How about if you don't like the terms of the job that you ran for, then don't run for office. That's the problem with you folks - you think everyone owes you something. If you want some meals then take up your own damn collection at your board meetings.
Posted by Jasper on 3.27.08 at 16.20
This topic came up at tonight's Board of Education meeting. If you attended the meeting but left after making a speech about the lack of good information, as many did, you may have missed this information. Bruce Putterman said that a total of $8,600 was spent on food. The food was served during meetings with dozens of people that went for hours through lunch. There were a total of 88 food instances. The fact that people are focusing on this issue with such a small dollar amount attached to it is an indication of the lack of material fat in the budget.
Posted by Mary Fleischli on 3.27.08 at 17.25
Isn't it interesting. The number has gone from an incidental sandwich (Putterman), to $254.15 (Ward), to less than $500 (Schmitt), to $8600 (back to Putterman) .
Maybe we should we just wait for the FOI for a final number. These people are quick to throw out the claim of misinformation when it's the other side, but this number has grown very quickly.
Maybe we should we just wait for the FOI for a final number. These people are quick to throw out the claim of misinformation when it's the other side, but this number has grown very quickly.
Posted by Cynic on 3.27.08 at 18.00
No Mary - it's an indication that they really didn't know how much they were spending until asked about it. The incidental sandwich has bloomed to $8600 which IS fat - multiply that type of spending by in 10 places in the budget and you wouldn't have to give up things like Interscholastic sports or other programs.
88 "food instances" at $8600 is unacceptable spending and more than that is indicative of the type of garbage put into the budget to begin with.
How about the parents that you represent chip in for the meals for these folks instead of asking the rest of us to do so. Have a few bake sales and make some money to donate to a Board of Education food fund. Where does it say that taxpayers are responsible to pay for catering every "food instance" ?
88 "food instances" at $8600 is unacceptable spending and more than that is indicative of the type of garbage put into the budget to begin with.
How about the parents that you represent chip in for the meals for these folks instead of asking the rest of us to do so. Have a few bake sales and make some money to donate to a Board of Education food fund. Where does it say that taxpayers are responsible to pay for catering every "food instance" ?
Posted by taxpayer on 3.28.08 at 8.53
You know who the real prez is, um what office are they running for. Also, the car and private school do make a difference. If you can not budget for yourself, don't tell the rest of us how to do it and make us the new East Hartford
Posted by Ann on 3.28.08 at 13.07
Ann - do you even know what the hell you are talking about? The Pres. of WHTA is a man with a family who also works and lives very modestly. The former president lives very modestly and would not have her children in private schools if they weren't very talented and intelligent and getting scholarships. Stop listening to the BS gossip and do us all a favor and get the facts before you shoot your mouth off. ok?
Posted by Helen on 3.28.08 at 13.39
Nice language Helen.
Posted by Ann on 3.28.08 at 13.43
By the way, no talented and intelligent kids come out of public schools. Also, here is tuition at a local private school, straight from their website: Tuition: $28,200 (includes lunch)
Wow, what a deal. Lower my taxes too
Wow, what a deal. Lower my taxes too
Posted by Ann on 3.28.08 at 13.51
So Ann, whether or not your tax dollars are being handled properly is not important to you. The greater the accountability of the Administration the less the waste will be and the more money you will have for programs for students.
You seem to only care to gripe about someone elses kid going to private school on a scholarship (spelled no tuition), no less.
Was that a statement of your opinion that "no talented and intelligent kids come out of public schools"?
I know many talented kids in the Public Schools, but I can also think of plenty of reasons for some one to send their kids to private school.
You seem to only care to gripe about someone elses kid going to private school on a scholarship (spelled no tuition), no less.
Was that a statement of your opinion that "no talented and intelligent kids come out of public schools"?
I know many talented kids in the Public Schools, but I can also think of plenty of reasons for some one to send their kids to private school.
Posted by Cynic on 3.28.08 at 17.11
No one will answer questions about the cost of private school coming out of whiners about taxes. I agree some kids have valid reasons to go to private school. Then move to a low tax town, save money like we did. Don't ask for a free ride from taxpayers. It is self discipline, not having it all in the typical American manner (expensive house, big suv, etc etc). There are sacrifices and choice you make. Move to Manchester or East Hartford or New Britain (for that matter Farmington). Show real sacrifice.
Posted by Ann on 3.29.08 at 3.44
BYE BYE. See you all in the next website
Posted by ann on 3.29.08 at 3.59
Excuse me - but there ARE other reasons for living in West Hartford besides the schools.
Ann makes no sense regarding private schools. What do private schools have to do with the school board's budget? (Other than the fact that people in town expect others to pay for public education which offers the same bells and whistles of a private education)
But the point of the article here was that the school board is shelling out money - not only for really unnecessary meal budgets - but also for other categories which could be held at flat or zero increases. And they don't seem to want to give the taxpayer a break.
The public should not have to pay so Terry Schmitt can have a sandwich at a meeting. Let him make his own food arrangements. And he and others act like they are entitled to it. The real problem here is the sense of entitlement along with the "who cares" attitude as the costs of things like meals and travel and dues really go unchecked.
Ann makes no sense regarding private schools. What do private schools have to do with the school board's budget? (Other than the fact that people in town expect others to pay for public education which offers the same bells and whistles of a private education)
But the point of the article here was that the school board is shelling out money - not only for really unnecessary meal budgets - but also for other categories which could be held at flat or zero increases. And they don't seem to want to give the taxpayer a break.
The public should not have to pay so Terry Schmitt can have a sandwich at a meeting. Let him make his own food arrangements. And he and others act like they are entitled to it. The real problem here is the sense of entitlement along with the "who cares" attitude as the costs of things like meals and travel and dues really go unchecked.
Posted by Henry on 3.29.08 at 9.29
People, get a grip. These public servants work literally dozens of hours each month on board of education matters because they are trying to help the schools. They have to put up with explusion hearings and endless budget meetings. They miss homework sessions with kids, their lives, and they do so to HELP the town.
And you want to begrudge them a SANDWICH? Really? It's not like they're ordering Lobster and Caviar. It's a SANDWICH. maybe some potato chips and water.
What are you people thinking when you start criticizing volunteer public servants (and neighbors) for trying to work through meals so they can get more work done for US???
Get a grip on reality and what's really important.
And you want to begrudge them a SANDWICH? Really? It's not like they're ordering Lobster and Caviar. It's a SANDWICH. maybe some potato chips and water.
What are you people thinking when you start criticizing volunteer public servants (and neighbors) for trying to work through meals so they can get more work done for US???
Get a grip on reality and what's really important.
Posted by WH person on 3.30.08 at 6.53
By the way, $8000 of a total budget of $118,000,000 is less than .01 percent of the total budget, for a different perspective.
Posted by WH Person on 3.30.08 at 6.58
I believe there are still questions relating to the administration and meals that have not been answered.
The Council works just as hard and it seems doesn't feel it is entitled to meals.
You are correct $8600 does not add up to much in a budget this size, the question though is it proper.
This number has grown from an occassional sandwich to $250 to $500 to $8600, with 88 incidents of meals. The works out to approx 1.3 meals a week and nobody seemed to be aware of it. Unfortunately, it took a newspaper article to start bringing this out.
The funds had to be found under "communication" in one instance, where was the rest found. What other funds freely float from account to account. Part of the problem is the answer is it is only $X. Unfortunately it all ads up. If they modify Dues paid for Board members to various organizations, control the meals, and start digging into the rest of the budget, find .1% here, .2% there etc., it might just add up to a smaller increase.
The Council works just as hard and it seems doesn't feel it is entitled to meals.
You are correct $8600 does not add up to much in a budget this size, the question though is it proper.
This number has grown from an occassional sandwich to $250 to $500 to $8600, with 88 incidents of meals. The works out to approx 1.3 meals a week and nobody seemed to be aware of it. Unfortunately, it took a newspaper article to start bringing this out.
The funds had to be found under "communication" in one instance, where was the rest found. What other funds freely float from account to account. Part of the problem is the answer is it is only $X. Unfortunately it all ads up. If they modify Dues paid for Board members to various organizations, control the meals, and start digging into the rest of the budget, find .1% here, .2% there etc., it might just add up to a smaller increase.
Posted by Cynic on 3.30.08 at 7.46
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This leads to the question that if a sandwich can be grabbed at will, how much food is kept on hand and how often is it replenished?
Ms. Abel you are absolutely correct are we talking donut money, in which case who cares. Or are we talking real meals that ad up quickly? so far the BOE and Administration don't seem to want anyone to know.