Council Confirms Ethics Pick, Presses Schools on Staffing Growth
Town Council · Meeting of March 18, 2026
New Canaan council grills schools over five-year staffing surge, confirms ethics appointee. Superintendent Dr. Brian Lutzy told the Town Council that a Board of Finance estimate of roughly 30 additional staff hired since 2021 beyond what was budgeted was closer to 18.82 net positions, plus 11 previously miscounted "building substitute" roles, once measured year over year.
Most of the real growth, 23.04 positions, came in special education. The Board of Finance already cut the district's fiscal 2027 request by $1.6 million, and its capital budget was reduced 36 percent, from $4.9 million to $3.1 million, including the loss of a new Saxe Middle School communications system. Council member Hillary Arman said she'd "hesitate to assume" hiring must track the budget line by line.
The council unanimously confirmed John Brian, Esquire, to a three-year term on the Ethics Committee. Budget talks resume March 31.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 767 words
Source: the Town Council meeting of March 18, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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