Dear Supporters,

We have reached a major turning point in our push for transparency. We are now at 63 signatures!. I have received formal clarification from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) regarding Case #2025-1947. The investigator confirmed that the file was closed because the DCP "do not have jurisdiction on this type of matter". This is a vital piece of the puzzle for our community to understand.

Why this is a positive step for our momentum:

• Clarity on Responsibility: Now that the State has confirmed it does not oversee local Board of Education contracts, the responsibility for oversight and fiscal fairness rests entirely with our local government. This removes the "wait and see" approach and puts the decision-making power back in Wolcott where it belongs.

• A Growing Data Range: Our analysis of current flyers and receipts from our district and neighboring Waterbury has documented a cost disparity ranging from 19.22% to 57% more per child. This range—calculated by comparing similar digital and print packages—shows a significant lack of market-competitive pricing for Wolcott families.

• The Opportunity for Better Standards: The Town Council now has the opportunity to lead the way in ensuring that future vendors meet a higher standard of value and pricing that benefits Wolcott parents and taxpayers. Any vendor should be welcome to serve our district, provided they can meet our community's needs for competitive pricing and high-quality service.

Transparency is the first step toward a fair solution. While the "closed" status of the DCP case was recently shared to suggest the matter was resolved, we have now provided the Town Council with the full context: the State has simply confirmed that this is a local policy issue. We have shared the written proof from the DCP and our updated pricing analysis with the Town Clerk and the Council to ensure they have the full set of facts.

Action Step:

If you haven't yet, please refer to our update from yesterday and use the email template provided there to contact Town Clerk Cindy Amaral. It is more important than ever that our representatives hear from you. We are asking for the town to negotiate better contracts with better value for the next school year.

Thank you for your continued focus and support. The path to a fair deal for Wolcott families is now in our local hands.

Sincerely,

Sarai Strickland