Candidate profile : Priscilla Cretella

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Unaffiliated

Editor’s note: Cretella was cross endorsed by the Beacon Falls Democrat and Republican town committees.

Beacon Falls

Board of Education

Priscilla Cretella

Age: 60

Occupation: Interior Decorator

Past political posts: 25 years on the Region 16 Board of Education

Education: Seymour High School, Naugatuck Valley Community College

What should be the educational priorities of the school district?

“The educational priorities of Region 16 should always put students first by giving them every opportunity to learn and be prepared with the skills necessary for everyday life.

How do you plan to approach the next budget cycle?

“Very carefully. Extremely trying times will call for extra consideration of all parts of the budget — personnel, curriculum, technology, our facilities, class size, and sports. I’m hoping the Board of Education will have two additional budget workshops so that the public will be able to participate more fully.”

What are your qualifications for this position?

“My ability to communicate and work with all people of both towns gives me the greatest insight into what’s needed and wanted. I can negotiate and compromise to make the best plan for our students and the communities. I’ve completed 25 years on the Region 16 Board of Education. This experience has helped me to work with all areas of the Region 16 staff, certified as well as non-certified, for the betterment or our students.”

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

“Achievement. High academic standards are needed to prepare our students, but we must have open lines of communication for these students so they can deal with peer pressure, competitive sports, and home-life baggage. The Board of Education needs to encourage communication to ease the strain of transitioning grades, from fifth to sixth and eighth to ninth. Professional development for all staff is given and very necessary to help support our students.”