Week In Review: Best Pizza in Ledyard, New Afterschool Program, Malodorous Classroom

The most popular story was a week-long in Ledyard. Ledyard Patch users finally decided on Fireside Brick Oven Creations but, at first, it was a tough run. Valentino’s Restaurant held the lead for the first couple days but eventually Fireside couldn’t be beat and finally captured 52 percent of the votes cast for the best pizza place in Ledyard and Gales Ferry. Congratulations to Fireside and thank you to everyone who shared their opinion.

The rest of the week was dominated by school news.

The Board of Education voted on a budget to pass along to the mayor. The bottom line was less then expected, the because there are fewer students enrolled in school next year.

However, the budget calls for two special education teachers, one health teacher and one world language teacher to be laid off, while reducing other teaching positions to half-time and eliminating two elementary teaching positions when the teachers retire this year. Four people will be laid off but eight salaries will be eliminated from the 2012-13 budget due to attrition, full and partial cuts.

Also, another option for afterschool childcare will launch tomorrow at Gallup Hill Elementary School. that provides enrichment activities, homework help, health and wellness activities, team building games, you name it. Parents, the Board of Education, and especially Little Learners seem to be excited about it.

“It really sounds like more opportunity for children," said Sharon Hightower, the board’s chairperson. And, a Patch ser named Stephanie said, “we are very excited to be partnering with Little Learners to offer an even better afterschool enrichment experience! Thank you Linda for embracing the school community!”

Second grade students and teacher Amy Doyle in Ledyard Center Elementary School have been evacuated out of their classroom and into the library due to an . According to the superintendent and facilities supervisor the odor has dissipated but the students and teacher will not be returning to the classroom.