As a college student in the mid 1980’s, I spent several summers working in the Board of Education offices in Ansonia.
While there, I was instrumental in the effort to computerize the office. Countless hours were also spent accumulating and helping to analyze data for state mandated reporting, as well as hand-scoring practice Connecticut mastery tests.
That experience, coupled with my attendance at Board of Education meetings over the past 16 months, I thought provided me with an adequate background as to what is required of a Board of Education member. I was wrong, there is so much more to it.
On September 12th, I along with 17 other BOE candidates from Fairfield County, attended a seminar presented by CABE, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education organization, which discussed in further depth what board service entails.
Many think that it is the BOE’s job to manage the school system. It is often thought that a board member possesses the power to oversee day to day school operations, can make changes in personnel and that all board actions must be conducted in public.
At this seminar I learned some key points that I would like to share.
The primary role of all BOE’s is to set policy for the district, not to carry it out. Some policies are mandated by the state or federal government and others are developed, reviewed or updated locally. All administrative functions surrounding the day- to-day operations of the district are left to the administration and staff. The BOE is also tasked with ensuring adherence to the policies that have been adopted.
The only employee that the BOE hires, supports and evaluates annually is the superintendent. Though the BOE may approve the hiring of staff, by state statute it is only able to do so upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools.
Another duty of the BOE is to annually adopt and advocate for the school budget. The power of a single member is only achieved through asking questions and dedicating the required time and effort to educate oneself on current issues, challenges and legislation within the educational landscape.
A BOE member is a private citizen at all times unless in attendance at a BOE meeting.
Finally, there are matters such as land acquisitions, security or personnel issues that must be discussed in non-public executive sessions.
On a daily basis I am trying to learn more so that I can be the most effective board member possible.
I’d like the opportunity to craft policy so that all youth in Seymour have access to a quality education in an environment that fosters creativity, celebrates the individuality of students and challenges students, teachers and administrators to excel.
I feel that I possess the leadership skills and knowledge required to help move our schools forward.
It is my hope that the Seymour community will applaud my efforts by choosing to cast their votes for me on November 8.
The writer is a Republican candidate for the Seymour Board of Education.
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