Jim Gildea (contributed photo)
As I complete my 18th year on the Derby Board of Education, I am reminded of how fortunate that I am to serve the citizens of my hometown. It is to this desire to serve that I once again seek your vote on Election Day for a seat on the Derby Board of Education.
I am a product of the Derby school system. I have seen four of my own children graduate from the Derby school system and I have 3 more children who are still enrolled. I currently have 2 children at the Derby Middle School and one child at the Derby High School. I believe that through my experiences both as a parent and as an 18 year board member, I have an important perspective that I bring to the Derby school system.
I believe that each school system needs to ensure that schools are safe and secure. I also believe that each school system should work towards providing challenging educational programs to our students while at the same time provide the support necessary to those students who require it. Additionally, I believe strongly that extracurricular activities go a long way towards rounding our students out and they help build vital self-confidence. These are the principles that have guided me as I have served on the Derby Board of Education.
Furthermore, I take very serious my role as your advocate. I have endeavored to always contact every person who has reached out to me. I have tried my best to follow up on your concerns or to connect you with those who are position to help you. I believe that as a Board of Education member, there is no greater obligation.
Finally, I love the City of Derby. I have lived here my whole life. I have chosen to stay and raise my own family here. That has been my single guiding purpose; what is best for the city that I live in and love. Thank you for your continued support and allowing me the ability to serve our great City. I hope that you will vote for me once again this Election Day on November 7, 2018.
The writer is running for re-election to the Derby Board of Education on the Republican line.
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