Board of Education
The Board of Education is composed of seven elected residents who serve four-year terms. The Board acts as the governing body of the school district, setting goals and policy for the management of the school district. It prepares a fiscally sound budget, ensuring a quality public education for all students. Another primary responsibility of the Board is to hire and evaluate the superintendent, ensuring accountability and transparency. The Board does not engage in the day-to-day operations of the schools, that is an administrative role. The group works seamlessly with the Superintendent’s office, the CEA (labor union) and State Board of Education to make our schools the best they can be. The goal is to deliver the exemplary and well-rounded education for each and every child in Old Saybrook deserves.
Meetings and Workload
The Board meets throughout the year twice a month, however there are four committees (Policy, Personnel, Facilities, Budget & Fiscal) that members participate in throughout the year to make recommendations for action to the full Board. Preparing for meetings by reading all relevant materials in advance may require a significant amount of time.
Who Should Run for Board of Education?
Anyone dedicated to creating a school system with high standards and student achievement as a top priority. Expertise particularly useful to the Board includes working with budgets, interfacing with labor unions, familiarity with theories and methods of educating young people and an understanding of regulations and practices that keep our students safe while allowing them the freedom they need to grow and develop.
Board of Finance
The Board of Finance is composed of seven elected residents who serve staggered four-year terms. Since almost everything that happens in Old Saybrook involves the expenditure of funds, the Board of Finance can be considered a Board of Directors for the Town. They are charged with reviewing and approving annual budgets prepared by the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen. Responsibilities include setting an annual mill rate, overseeing the expenditure of funds for the Town and Board of Education as well as designating an independent public accounting firm to audit the Town’s books and accounts. The board also prepares the Town’s capital plan and ensures its fiscal health by identifying financial and budgeting best practices.
Meetings and Workload
During the budgeting process which runs from January to mid-May, the Board generally meets three times in January, three times in February and three times in March. The rest of the year, the Board meets every two weeks except in the summer (July-August) when it generally meets monthly.
Who Should Run for the Board of Finance?
Members should have a strong financial background. Practical experience in corporate or municipal finance, accounting and insurance is useful as are advanced degrees such as MBA, CPA and JD. Beyond the necessary hard skills, the BoF needs members who see the big picture. Understanding how to tie things together and balance opposing interests when necessary are key for promoting the best interests of the Town and its fiscal health.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is composed of five elected members serving four-year terms and up to three alternates serving two-year terms who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Commission is responsible for adopting and amending the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development–a statement of the Town’s goals and policies for land use serving as a guide to growth. All proposed municipal improvements, special permit applications and proposed amendments to the Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map are reviewed for consistency using the plan. This past year, the planning commission became part of the Housing Task Force organized to address the need for more affordable housing.
Meetings and Workload
The Planning Commission meets every two weeks. Members may be appointed to other land use committees such as Inland Wetlands, Regional Development and Coastal Resilience. Successful election to the commission requires four hours of mandatory land use training. Topics include environmental and historical considerations, affordable housing and reading a site plan.
Who Should Run for the Planning Commission?
People with an interest in and knowledge of sustainable economic growth, land use, conservation and coastal resilience are encouraged to consider this Commission. In addition, individuals with knowledge and a passion for affordable housing and mixed-use development are excellent candidates to run.
Zoning Commission
The Zoning Commission consists of five elected members who serve four-year terms and three alternatives appointed to serve two years. Zoning regulates land uses and enforces its regulations for the protection of public health, safety and welfare. The Commission works exclusively with the Architectural Review Board to evaluate the aesthetics of proposals ensuring they work according to town-wide design standards.
Meetings and Workload
The Zoning Commission meets twice a month throughout the year. Members may be appointed to other land use committees. Successful election to the commission requires four hours of mandatory land use training. Topics include environmental and historical considerations, affordable housing and reading a site plan.
Who Should Run for the Zoning Commission?
Individuals who are interested in developing a thorough understanding of local zoning laws, community needs and past decisions are encouraged to run. In addition, an ability to delve into detailed documents, rules & regulations and analyze detailed proposals is a useful skill. Prior experience in land use, traffic, engineering or related fields is also helpful.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five elected residents serving four-year terms and up to three alternates appointed for two-year terms. The Board is responsible for hearing appeals, considering applications for variances, and determining whether to grant relief from the strict enforcement of zoning regulations when a unique hardship is demonstrated.
Meetings and Workload
The Board meets once a month and elected members are expected to complete four hours of mandatory land use training. Topics include environmental and historical considerations, affordable housing and reading a site plan.
Who Should Run for the Zoning Board of Appeals?
Board members should be familiar with local zoning regulations – or be willing to learn those regulations in depth. In addition, they should be willing to sit in judgment, fairly and impartially. Some familiarity with the law could be helpful. Members of the Zoning Commission may not serve on the Zoning Board of appeals.
Board of Assessment Appeals
The Board of Assessment Appeals consists of three residents elected to serve a two-year term. It hears from taxpayers who want to challenge the Town’s assessment of their real estate, motor vehicles or personal property. The board carefully reviews each appeal and notifies the property/motor vehicle owner of its decision. They work in cooperation with the Assessor.
Meetings and Workload
The Board hears appeals on vehicles in September and on real property in March and April following the posting of the Grand List of the previous year. During a year following a town-wide re-assessment (every five years), the workload is significantly higher.
Who Should Run for the Board of Assessment Appeals?
The ideal candidate is someone with a real estate background, especially someone who has been trained to do assessments or understands the elements that impact an assessment. This could include real estate brokers and/or lawyers.
Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Commission consists of seven members elected for a four year term. The Commission works closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, making recommendations about parks, recreation programs, and related policies, while also promoting the parks and recreation system and ensuring the well-being and safety of park users.
Meetings and Workload
The Commission meets once a month.
Who Should Run for Parks and Recreation?
This Commission does not require specialized knowledge or expertise. However, individuals with a strong interest in the state of our parks, the quality of recreational activities and a passion for civic engagement are encouraged to run.
Harbor Management Commission
The town of Old Saybrook has the longest coastline of any community in Connecticut. The Harbor Management Commission works to address issues affecting the management of the Town’s harbors and waterfronts including the development, improvement and expansion of both public and private waterfront areas. This includes the allocation and use of mooring locations as well as the use and condition of waterfront facilities.
Meetings and Workload
The Commission meets once a month.
Who Should Run for the Harbor Management Commission?