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Sports blog: Warrior Nation

By KARA O'CONNOR

Villager Staff Writer


WILTON -- Starting this September, Miller and Driscoll schools in Wilton will no longer be separate.

Last week, the Wilton Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Gary Richard's recommendation to merge the elementary schools' administrations, with the school complex being organized under the direction of one principal, supported by two full-time assistant principals.

"I thought that this recommendation was very thorough," said Board of Education member Richard Dubow. "This is a good idea and very well thought out. I have been behind this recommendation from the first time I read it."

Since Driscoll Principal Lynn Tianacci announced her retirement in June, Wilton Public Schools has examined the option of leaving her position open and having one principal and two full-time assistants taking the place of the two principal positions at Miller-Driscoll.

Over the past several months, a Miller-Driscoll study committee comprised of faculty members and administrative staff from Miller-Driscoll, Cider Mill and PTA members carefully looked at information regarding school size, curriculum, budgets, professional development and policies to determine the advantages and disadvantages of merging the schools and having one principal, said Richards.

Karen Birck, vice chairman of the Board of Education , said the merge is a good idea.

"I have faith in this administration," said Birck. "I know that they will do everything they need to make the school work for the children and provide a positive atmosphere."

One issue raised by concerned parents, said Richards, was whether the kindergarten placement process will be changed.

"I would like people to understand that nothing will really change for the kids under these administrative changes," he said. "Kindergarten placement will be the same and we will continue to focus on a small personal approach to learning at Miller-Driscoll."

The next step will be appointing a design team with the task of organizing the complex in a way that will offer students, parents and staff the benefits of a small school experience within Miller-Driscoll, said Richards.

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