Greenwich Public Schools continue to be at the top of state rankings. Just days ago, the US News and World Report rated 5 of Greenwich’s elementary schools in the top 20 of all elementary schools in Connecticut! This is because Republicans have always funded the schools to deliver the absolute best for our students.  Some will eternally grumble that they want more money, but the results are clear: Greenwich schools are among the best in the country. Now the Democrats, in a desperate attempt to win an election, are spreading a lot of disinformation and untruths about this year’s budget process, trying to blame Republicans for not spending enough. They call a $6 million increase in spending a “cut”.  Sure, they may want more taxpayer money, but no way there was a cut.  The campaign's propaganda and rhetoric conceal the truth: school budgets are up, enrollment is down — persistently down — and no programs are being slashed. It’s time to vote; let's dispense with the hyperbole and talk the truth. Voters deserve facts, not fear! The Truth: Fact:  The FY2025 school budget rose $6M (3%) to $246.3M. Fact:  Per student spending is over $29,000 annually and is among the highest in Connecticut. (CDSE EdSight). There is no truth to the claim that Greenwich is financially starving the schools. Fact:  Greenwich’s teachers’ pay ranks first in Connecticut, and staffing remains steady despite a decline in student numbers over the past five years.  Fact:  For the past fiscal year (FY2025), the schools had a $2.5 million surplus, which rolls into FY2026. That rollover would have fully covered the funds needed to maintain the same school start times. Even though the Superintendent had known about this surplus for months, she refused to use it for busing.  No one knows what it is being used for. The current bus chaos is simply a result of mismanagement by the Superintendent’s office, not a lack of funding. (GPS Financial Report) Fact:  Class sizes are not changed, and no programs were cut going into the new fiscal year. Year-over-year enrollment has dropped by 146 students. Fact:  In the current fiscal year, the schools' operating budget exceeds 50% of the total town operating budget, so enormous resources are being expended to keep our schools outstanding and highly ranked. Fact:  The budget process for the new fiscal year is just getting underway. The new BET has not been elected. The Superintendent and the First Selectman have yet to present their budgets. Anyone claiming budgets have been cut is misleading you. This budget process will take place over the next six months. Republicans have pledged complete transparency and open discussion in contrast to the Democrats, who just completed the teacher contract, the largest in Town, in secret, locking out many parties who should have been involved. Final Thoughts: Democrats will say anything to get elected.  We hope everyone is catching on! The narrative of “gutting” Greenwich schools is simply untrue. Now you have the facts. This BET/BOE theater is a tool used by the Democrat party to rile and scare voters over budgetary untruths to promote their agenda with the complicity of the Superintendent. Scaring people is a terrible way to win elections. Republican budget decisions prioritize efficient use of taxpayer funds while delivering high-quality education for all students. The Republican Party wants only a fact-based discussion about what’s suitable for the town and our students. Ultimately, we would rather lose by telling the truth than lie to win. However, we’re confident Greenwich citizens will reward the Republican party for its fidelity to the truth and its success in delivering outstanding schools, among other virtues and competencies, this November.   ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th Early voting is underway through Sunday at Town Hall VOTE Republican ROW B - especially the six BET candidates—for transparency, fiscal sense, and integrity.