Hundreds of school supporters have signed a petition to hold a Special Town Meeting, with hopes of winning approval to take money from reserves and save jobs.
Layoff notices were sent to school workers on Friday, cutting the equivalent of 14 or 15 full-time positions in response to a deficit of about $150,000. Superintendent Carlos Colley said layoffs were necessary after the Finance Committee recommended against taking from reserves.
“We saw this as our only option to prevent layoffs from happening,” said Karen Powell, a co-chair of the group Westport Cares, who helped circulate the petition.
Once Town Hall confirms that at least 200 signatures are by registered voters, the Board of Selectmen must schedule a Special Town Meeting within 45 days. A warrant for the meeting must be posted 14 days beforehand. If selectmen approve the Special Town Meeting at their next meeting, Feb. 22, the meeting could be held between the [...]

Original post by Grant Welker