Photo by Bill Bittar
Shelton Superintendent of Schools Christopher Clouet, second from left, looks at Monroe Superintendent Jack Zamary, while saying a few words at the grand opening ceremony for Valley Regional Adult Education’s new space in the Richard O. Beldon Cultural Center in Shelton Thursday. Debra Hansen, the school’s director, and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bill Purcell look on.
SHELTON — Valley Regional Adult Education has consolidated its offices to an upstairs wing of the Richard O. Beldon Cultural Center at 54 Grove St.
Previously the organization’s offices were on a lower level building, with another office in the Conti Building downtown.
“Thank you to everybody for making this happen,” Hansen said during a grand opening celebration with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce last week.
An open house is scheduled for today (Wednesday, Aug. 21) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Aspiring students can see the new facilities and register for classes. Click here for the organization’s website.
Valley Regional Adult Education was established in 1969 as the first regional adult education agency in the state serving residents in Seymour, Shelton, Monroe, Derby and Ansonia.
It offers free academic programs for residents in the region, including an Adult High School Credit Diploma program, the GED, citizenship and English as a second language (ESL) and continuing education courses.
“When you walk around, you will see these classrooms are big and bright,” Hansen told local dignitaries at the grand opening.
The Town of Seymour donated six Smart Boards and the classrooms have tables for students to sit together and collaborate on projects.
Valley Regional Adult Education receives budget funds from its member towns and leases the space in the Beldon Cultural Center, which also houses TEAM, Inc., the Valley United Way, Center Stage Theatre, Living Hope Church and the Registrar of Voters.
Glen Peterson, education division director for the Connecticut State Department of Education, attended Thursday’s grand opening, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Others in attendance were Shelton Superintendent of Schools Christopher Clouet, Monroe Superintendent of Schools Jack Zamary, Shelton Board of Education Chairman Mark S. Holden, Vice Chairman Tom Minotti, Rick Beldon, the finance director for Shelton public schools, Chamber President and CEO Bill Purcell and several Chamber members and school staff.
“I think it’s a wonderful space,” Clouet said. “It’s going to be great for the students. There are students from dozens of countries, hard-working people who want to master English — and they came here to do it.”
Clouet praised Hansen as one of the best regional adult education directors in the state and someone who is a great problem solver.
Clouet said he participates in graduation ceremonies for adults earning their high school diplomas in the program.
Zamary said the school is a great example of regionalization efforts promoted by the state. “I thank Debra for her leadership,” he said.
Purcell noted that it is Valley Regional Adult Education’s 50th anniversary. He said education is a lifelong pursuit, adding the regional school has wonderful courses, “from computers and gardening to weight loss.”
“It’s nice,” Holden said of the new wing. “The adult education program is pretty impressive. Some of the stories I hear from students at graduation are amazing and it’s terrific that this city is making space available.”
“I’m very pleased,” Peterson said. “This is a beautiful space. You should be very proud.”
