THE MIDDLETOWN PRESS an edition of the new haven register www.MiddletownPress.com| Monday, September 20, 2021| Since 1878| $1.00 For GOP, a test over critical race theory

By John Moritz and The theory, developed in the cation officials. point on their platform, “stop Christine DeRosa 1970s, holds that racism is not just Despite those early successes, indoctrination,” refers to the is- a characteristic of certain people, Connecticut Republican Party sue, while others reference fiscal For a few hours Tuesday eve- but is entrenched in American Chairman Ben Proto said in an responsibility, educational perfor- ning, opponents of critical race social and political systems, per- interview last week the issue of mance and government account- theory in one Connecticut com- petuating the unequal treatment critical race theory, by itself, was ability. munity reveled in their lopsided of minority groups. In a public unlikely to win over more moder- Still, members of the group victory over a primary slate that letter released earlier this year, ate voters to either the GOP or readily admitted last week that included several Republican in- the Guilford Board of Education Democratic side. focusing on how schools teach cumbents on the Board of Educa- pointed to the separate concept of “I think they have to broaden race has helped them build in- tion, proving that issue carries Arnold Gold / Hearst Conn. Media file photo institutional racism, which it said their support,” Proto said. roads with concerned parents and weight in the minds of many GOP Robert Herrington, right, of was being taught as part of a larg- “They’ve got to talk about issues activists around the state. None of voters. Guilford, protests before a er focus on social justice and equi- related to the Board of Education them said they see the issue fiz- But with the focus now turning forum on critical race theory at ty in the schools. as a whole. It’s very difficult for zling away anytime soon. toward a general election in Guil- the Nathanael B. Greene That has not stopped some any candidate to win either in “Enough people are looking at ford, a town where Democrats Community Center in Guilford Republicans — including Board support of or in opposition to a their own local school boards and outnumber Republicans nearly on June 24. of Education candidates in Guil- singular issue.” local policies and saying, ‘Wow, 2-to-1, members of both parties ford, New Canaan and Glaston- Candidates on the GOP-en- what’s going on here,’” said Tim said conservative ire over the In Guilford and other towns bury — from latching on to CRT, dorsed slate in Guilford point to Chamberlain, one of the GOP supposed teaching of the contro- where the debate over CRT has holding rallies, appearing on Fox the informal name of their group candidates in Guilford. versial theory faces an uphill taken hold, local education offi- News and eventually ousting — “5 Reasons Why” — as evidence Others say the general election climb to gain widespread traction cials have fervently denied that it established members of their they are running on more than for the Guilford Board of Education across Connecticut. is being taught in public schools. party who have sided with edu- just opposition to CRT. The first See Theory on A2 How are state MIDDLETOWN ADs dealing with the bus shortage?

By Joe Morelli

When Brookfield athletic director Steve Baldwin departed school last Friday, Sept. 10, the school’s girls volleyball team had a sched- uled road match in Milford after school Monday after- noon against Law. When he returned to school on Monday morning, Baldwin found out that due to a bus driver shortage in town, no driver would be available to take the team to Steve Baldwin / Contributed photo Milford until 4:30 p.m. So The Brookfield field although the match was hockey team boards a completed, it didn’t start coach bus on Tuesday. until after 6 p.m. — and the Brookfield is one of many JV match had to be canceled. school districts that have This is just one of several had to find alternative modes of transportation examples statewide where due to a bus shortage. athletic directors have had Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media to adjust on the fly in order Route 9 North in Middletown is seen Friday from across the Connecticut River in Portland. to get in the athletic events of There is only so much they the day — and we are just can do. It’s not their fault,” over a week into the fall Baldwin said. “To go season. through everything we’ve OFFICIALS SEEK INPUT ON “They are awesome. The gone through (with the CO- people there (at All-Star VID-19 pandemic) has been ‘PROBLEMATIC INTERSECTION’ Transportation) are great. See Buses on A4 Project to reengineer traffic lights on Route 9, COLCHESTER SCHOOLS remove a yield sign at Route 17 awaits traffic study Bus routes combined By Cassandra Day forming an origin/destination study to determine current traffic patterns. This is used to ensure due to lack of drivers MIDDLETOWN — The state project to reengi- there is a better understanding of traffic patterns neer two traffic lights on Route 9, as well as the as the traffic analysis is performed and completed. By Josh LaBella “We’re actually doing a removal of a yield sign at Route 17 that acts as an “Once all analysis is completed and alternatives little bit better,” he said, on-ramp, is awaiting a traffic study that will help reviewed, depending on the results, next steps will COLCHESTER — Trips speaking for his district. shape future work. be considered at that time,” she continued. to and from school are being “We’re actually in a little bit Decadeslong safety concerns as well as frequent She said a public meeting will then be consid- made longer, and routes are better shape. We are able to motor vehicle crashes along the city’s portion of the ered “to move any project alternative forward,” she being combined because of a combine bus runs. But I highway have driven this project for some time. said. shortage of school bus driv- know other districts are State Department of Transportation Chief Com- The DOT is seeking various opportunities for ers throughout the state. having difficulties even munications Officer Kafi Rouse said public com- public outreach in Middletown with the goal of Jeffrey Burt, superin- getting students to school.” tendent of Colchester Public ments at previous meetings will drive the next making representatives available to answer ques- A longtime problem iteration of the proposal. tions and present the design, Rouse added. Schools, said the issue is a “A traffic simulation of each alternative is being The project calls for work on exits 13 (Route 17 national crisis. He has been Jon Hipsher, the chief performed,” she said. “This included initially per- See Input on A3 on two phone calls with operating officer of M&J Connecticut leaders trying Bus, which Colchester to solve the matter. See Routes on A4

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