Candidate profile: Jeffrey LaMontagne

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Democrat

Prospect

Board of Education

Jeffrey Lamontagne

Age: 35

Occupation: No Child Left Behind Tutor for CT Teaching Association, and a Substitute Teacher for Bristol CT. Public Schools

Past political posts: Prospect EMAC, Prospect Conservation Commission, and Economic Development,

Education: BA from Marymount University (VA), and a Paralegal Certificate from the University of Hartford

What should be the educational priorities of the school district?

“A) To provide all Region 16 students with relevant and up to date resources to insure future success. B) Financial responsibility: Publicly share how Region 16 spends every dollar. C) Community support through communication. D) Educate not only the students of Region 16 but parents and legislators on helping create viable funding for educational success.”

How do you plan to approach the next budget cycle?

“In these grave economic times every parent fears budget cuts will deny their children a quality education. If elected I would bring together parents, educators, and legislator leaders to make sure we all agree that educating our students is the number one priority while still taking into consideration our taxpayers. Because education is primarily a state and local responsibility, it is important that taxpayer’s money goes where it can do the most good.”

What are your qualifications for this position?

“For the last 10 years I have been employed as a substitute teacher for various schools districts in the area. Since 2006, I have been an after school No Child Left Behind tutor in reading and math for Club Z and CT Teaching Associations. While completing my Bachelor’s Degree I served as an educational mentor for at risk youth in and around Washington D.C.”

What do you feel is the most important issue-affecting students today? And how would you address it?

“Bullying has become a major problem in our schools and over the last few years has accelerated to the internet. To help with this issue I would: A) Reinforce anti-bullying laws-zero tolerance. B) Hold frequent assemblies to address bullying issues. C) Have adults in supervisory positions, in school are more vigilantes in bathrooms, halls, and playgrounds. D) Impose immediate consequences for aggressive behavior. E) Provide places where victims go anonymously to report bullying. F) Make all Region 16 parents aware of cyber bullying and stress importance of monitoring their child’s face book or any alternative sites.”