Voters support Dey to fill school board seat

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Democrat Erik Dey, left, is sworn in as a member of the Region 16 Board of Education by Beacon Falls First Selectman Christopher Bielik after a town meeting Wednesday at Woodland Regional High School in Beacon Falls. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

BEACON FALLS — Voters on Wednesday unanimously backed Democrat Erik Dey to fill a vacancy on the Region 16 Board of Education at a town meeting.

Dey was the only candidate nominated and received the support of all 18 voters at the meeting.

Dey thanked everyone for coming out, saying it shows they not only care about the town but also about the Board of Education and Region 16 school district.

“I’m going to do my best to represent you in this capacity,” Dey said.

The Region 16 Board of Education oversees schools in Beacon Falls and Prospect. Dey, who was officially sworn in after the town meeting, will fill the seat vacated by Democrat James Huk, who resigned in November due to an unexpected job opportunity.

Huk won a seat on the school board at the Nov. 7 election. Huk and incumbent Christine Arnold, a Republican, were elected over Dey in November.

Dey is an eighth-grade social studies teacher. He earned a doctorate degree in educational leadership earlier this year from New England College to go along with a master degree is curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut, and a bachelor degree in educational studies from New England College.

Dey previously served on the Beacon Falls Library Board of Trustees.

Former school board chair Sheryl Feducia, who didn’t run for re-election in November, nominated Dey to fill the vacancy. She said Dey comes highly recommended.

“It would be an honor and a privilege to have you as a Region 16 Board of Education member,” Feducia said.

Dey said he stepped forward to fill the vacancy because of his education, experience and passion to serve the community.

“I think that I’m qualified, and I appreciate the town’s support in that effort,” he said.

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