Students, Administration Meet To Resolve Fee Issues

By Larissa Lytwyn

Several Newtown High School students, including senior Leslie Greenfield, who was student director of this year’s fall play, Noises Off!, have been meeting regularly with Principal Bill Manfredonia and Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff to resolve issues and address criticisms related to the $40 pay-to-participate fees instituted by the school board.

“It is my understanding that the Drama Club has begun rehearsals again this week,” said school board Chairman Elaine McClure. “And [the Board of Education] is heartened to hear it.”

“The students, of course, have been very upset about this issue,” noted Mr Manfredonia. “And we realize we have a bottom line to meet with this year’s budget. But we are staying optimistic.”

Since negotiations are still taking place, said Dr Pitkoff, a solution to finding a fair solution satisfactory to all involved is still in the process of being found. Leslie Greenfield could not be reached for comment on the talks with the school administrators by the time The Bee went to press this week.