Editor's Note: This article corrects an earlier version.

Norwich — Nine Board of Education candidates Thursday discussed limited school funding, test scores and the recent tensions between the public school system and Norwich Free Academy during a candidate forum.

There was little disagreement among the candidates, although they offered differing stances on some key issues. Republican challengers Margaret Becotte and Susan Thomas did not attend.

The recent contract standoff between the Norwich board and the NFA Board of Trustees remained fresh in the eight incumbents' minds.

The Norwich board reluctantly signed the five-year contract shortly before it took effect July 1.

Public school officials complain that funding for lower grades suffers because the school budget has to absorb NFA tuition increases while the City Council cuts the school budget request.

Incumbent Republican Dennis Slopak at one point stood and pretended to be a stern NFA attorney and turned toward current board chairwoman, Democrat Yvette Jacaruso, to demonstrate how he felt NFA treated Norwich: "It'll be a cold day in Hell before I allow you a seat on the board (of Trustees),” Slopak shouted.

Incumbent Democrat Jesshua Ballaro said she would love to see Norwich open its own high school, saying she felt there will be no more contract negotiations with NFA.

She said she visited her stepson at a high-cost NFA special education program “in the basement of a gym.”

Incumbent Republican Aaron, “Al” Daniels and Democrat Robert Aldi asked for a cooling off period and a renewed effort to meet with NFA. Aldi would like to renegotiate the contract — a request NFA officials have soundly rejected.

Daniels said he wants a discussion with NFA, the Norwich City Council and Board of Education.

Democratic incumbent Joyce Werden said since the school board has no control over NFA tuition, it should be handed over to the City Council as a bill, rather than as part of the education budget.

The only newcomer candidate at the debate, Democrat Kevin Sethany, said the school board should push for public pressure on NFA to hold down costs to help Norwich students and taxpayers.

Candidates rejected the perception that Norwich has inferior schools, saying standardized test scores do not show a true picture.

With more than 30 different primary languages spoken by students and high transiency, testing is difficult.

Jacaruso said school administrators pursue all grants to bring in classroom interventionists for individual instruction, and the board this year restored foreign language and middle school instrumental music — a popular program cut several years ago.

Democrat Cora Lee Boulware said improving the schools will take a combined effort by the schools, the community and parents. The transiency — about a third of the students change schools in a given year — affects test scores, but all students are welcome at all schools.

“It's our duty to provide education to all our students regardless of income,” she said.

Incumbent Democrat Joyce Werden agreed that taxes are high and said the school system tries to seek alternative funding sources.

But she stressed the role of education in a city's economic development plan, saying quality schools are the link to attracting businesses and families to Norwich.

Republican Angelo Yeitz said he launched the current study of the school system's many buildings and schools two years ago. An extensive study that could lead to consolidations or restructuring now is underway.

“Maybe we can be in one or two buildings,” Yeitz said.

c.bessette@theday.com

Twitter: @Bessettetheday