The Citizen’s News asked candidates running for Naugatuck Board of Education in the Nov. 5 municipal election four questions. The responses from candidates endorsed by the Republican Town Committee are below:
Glenn Patrick Anthony Connan
Age: 43
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor of Science, accounting and MBA Fairfield University
Political Experience: Board of Education (four terms)
Occupation: Chief financial officer
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I want to continue our vision of ‘educating all students today for tomorrow’s future.’”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“The most important issue facing Naugatuck students is being prepared to succeed whether it is on the SAT or in life. Success happens when preparation meets opportunity, our job it see that our students are well prepared. We need to align our curriculum with the SAT and provide the best teachers and staff to support learning.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“The current Board of Education has been the most fiscally responsible in Naugatuck history, the budget increase for the current school year (2019-20) was 0.51%, the 2017-18 school year was 0% and for 2016-17 school year was also 0%. During that time, the BOE has worked to reduce class sizes, add programs and improve learning opportunities. If re-elected I will continue on this path.”
What is your message to voters?
“If you think the Board of Education election just doesn’t matter, then consider this, good schools increase property values and for those who have kids in the school system the Board of Education is where the buck stops, they decide whether or not your superintendent is doing her job. They impact class sizes, the books your child reads, the busses that drive your children to and from school, the safety precautions the schools take to protect your child and the conditions of the buildings where your children learn. Please vote.”
Jeffrey Litke
Age: 38
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Connecticut; Master’s of Public Administration, University of New Haven
Political Experience: Board of Education (two years); Zoning Commission (two years); Republican Town Committee (two years); Inland Wetlands Commission (one year)
Occupation: Human resources generalist
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I am running for the Board of Education because I believe in a quality and equitable education for all of our children. I am a proud graduate of Naugatuck High School and resident of Naugatuck. It has been an honor for me to serve on the Board of Education for the past two years and I would cherish the opportunity to continue to serve and provide my voice to making our school system even better.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“I think that every student, school and age group all face different issues. These issues include acceptance, bullying, performance on standardized tests and issues in the home. We should address these issues and all issues by being in contact with administrators, parents, teachers, the students and others to determine the causes of these issues and then all work together to come up with an action plan so that we can solve these issues. We also need to work to create a positive school climate so that children feel comfortable sharing what they are facing and/or feeling.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“I would approach building a school budget with the students and taxpayers in mind. We need to provide funding that allows for a meaningful education for our students, but need to take into consideration the taxpayers’ ability to fund the school system. We need to leverage any grants and other funding that is available to us. Tough decisions sometimes need to be made, and I will always try to do what is right and take the taxpayers and students into consideration.”
What is your message to voters?
“My message to the voters is that I ask for your support. I have enjoyed serving on the Board of Education the past two years and would love the opportunity to continue to serve. The students are our future leaders and we need to give them the education that they deserve to become those leaders. We all need to work together as a community because Naugatuck and its residents benefit from a successful school system.”
Diana Vardon Malone
Age: 64
Party: Republican
Education: Associate’s degree in early childhood education
Political Experience: Board of Education (four terms)
Occupation: Retired
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I am interested in giving back to my community by continuing to serve as a member of the Board of Education. My goal is to be the most effective board member that I can be.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“Bullying has been around forever. Technology such as social networking and texting has opened the door to more ways for bullies to intimidate their victims. Far too often, there are suicides that can be directly traced to cyber bullying. It is very hard for a student to learn when they are being bullied. Often, it is hard to know if a child is being bullied. We need to encourage our students to seek out help if they or someone they know is being bullied. We need to make sure that help is available for victims as well as the bullies.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“As a Board of Education member, I support fiscal responsibility and know the importance of ensuring that each dollar is spent wisely. It is our responsibility to ensure that all teachers and students are given the tools they need to be successful. Each student should be given the opportunity and means to be able to reach his or her full potential. We need to provide a safe learning environment for all students and to aggressively seek out grants to provide our schools and all of our school employees with the tools they need to help our students to recognize their full potential.”
What is your message to voters?
“My message to voters is to get to the polls and vote on Nov. 5. The right to vote is a right you should not throw away.”
Dorothy Neth-Kunin
Age: 59
Party: Republican
Education: Master’s degree in management; Bachelor’s degree in finance
Political Experience: Board of Education (four terms)
Occupation: Underwriter
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“To ensure that others have a voice in making educational and administrative decisions. As a board member, I can be a conduit for the concerns and interests of the students, parents, teachers and the community. Aid in preserving and improving the quality of our school system. As a member of a school board, I have the opportunity to share my business and life experience to benefit the community.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“Bullying continues to be an issue — this must be handled with urgency and commitment by administration. The Board of Education must work with the administration to make sure all students are treated fairly and ongoing issues are handled in an appropriate manner. Vaping — the number of students vaping is alarming and the Board of Education must make sure that the administration handles this head on and swiftly through discussion on the long term impact and policy to deter.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“The approach for the budget has several facets. It begins in late October at the school level. Each school reviews their budget and presents their educational needs to central office. The budget is presented to the board in a variety of workshops for discussion. Should I maintain my position as chair I will move the board away from work groups and redevelop the committee process with the reformation of the finance committee. The finance committee will be tasked to review the budget at great lengths to make suggestions that are fiscally responsible and school and student centered. The Board of Education’s objective is to present a budget that supports the educational needs of the Naugatuck Public School District and one that makes sense to the taxpayers. The board will continue to work with central office on grant opportunities that impact budget decisions.”
What is your message to voters?
“As a candidate for the Board of Education I will work with the administration to increase the level of student achievement for all students throughout the district with a focus on closing the achievement gap. Work with the high school to determine the needs of the students with respect to the SAT scores and develop a plan to increase the scores through the Curriculum and Assessment Committee. As a member of the Board of Education I will continue to work toward fiscal accountability using sound fiscal management practices. I will continue to work with the administration to provide a positive and safe school climate. I will continue working with the educational staff and the community for the betterment of each and every student.”
Marilyn O’Donnell
Age: 56
Party: Republican
Education: Jonathan Law High School
Political Experience: None
Occupation: (Did not answer)
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I’m running for Board of Education to be the voice for all of the Naugatuck families.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“Safety and accountability. Our children need to feel safe from all aspects, from bullying to unwanted intruders. We need to hold everyone accountable from the youngest of students to the adults who are involved with our children. This includes parents, staff and administration.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“The school budget needs to be worked on. Money is tight everywhere but the conditions of our schools are unacceptable.”
What is your message to voters?
“My message to the voters is simple. A vote for 11B on Nov. 5 is a vote for them. I’ve worked hard the past five years at Andrew Avenue School as PTO president and I’m looking forward to bring my passion to all the schools.”
