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 Democratic Town Committee are below:
Jason Celozzi
Age: 43
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor degree with education certification
Political Experience: Board of Education (two terms)
Occupation: Regional manager with Trinity Solar
Why are you running for school board?
“My primary reasoning for running is to improve the overall education of our borough without increasing the burden of our taxpayers. I want to be able to express the opinions and ideas of the residents of Naugatuck regarding our educational program and its impact on our children. I believe that our students are the future of Naugatuck and I have and will continue to put forth effort and experience to make advancements.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“There is a need to improve math scores and expand educational programs within the district to prepare our students for the next level of education or stage in their lives. How we address this issue is initially providing a safe and healthy educational environment. Next is allow for the administration and staff to have the necessary tools and curriculum in place so they may effectively utilize the skills and passions that inspired their careers in education. Additionally, I would like to continue to explore possible grant and internal staff develop opportunities to improve these scores and programs.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“My goal when crafting or modifying a school budget is to access effectiveness of current and previous plans. Ultimately determining opportunity to reduce unnecessary or outdated programs and provide a quality education and readiness program. I want to continue to bring forth advancements while staying fiscally responsible to our borough.”
What is your message to voters?
“So often educational decisions are made by people who have never stepped into a classroom. I feel honored to contribute my background as a teacher and a business professional to make decisions that are in the best interest of both the students and the community. Additionally, as a parent of three students in the district, it is my pleasure to continue to volunteer my time and experience to serve on this board. Naugatuck has been my lifetime home and the prestige and advancement of our borough is my personal goal.”
Michael Cook
Age: 44
Party: Democrat
Education: Naugatuck High School; working on associate’s degree in accounting, Southern New Hampshire University
Political Experience: None
Occupation: Inventory
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“One thing I have noticed, is the lack of parents who have children in the Naugatuck school system that are on the board. I believe as a parent of a Naugatuck elementary school student, I have a vested interest in what is going on in our schools. Having a child in the school system gives me the unique point of view where I can see what is going on in the schools on a daily basis. I am able to see things and I am aware of things that someone who is not personally involved with the schools, might not see and might not be aware needs to be worked on.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“I personally believe that libraries are an important resource to all children. Libraries in some of our schools are non-existent. For example, Andrew Avenue School does not have a library. They have the books on carts out in the hallway. Books have gone missing or been destroyed. We also have a great library here in town with a children’s department that has great programs and is underutilized. We need to work together with the schools and the town to improve the libraries in the schools and assist getting the town library information out to the families. An idea is to work with teachers, administrators and the town library to require the use of any library to get information instead of out of computers.
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“Budgets are large, complicated puzzles and it becomes our job to take all of the pieces and make them fit into spaces that will never be big enough. There are pieces that we must have such as salaries, pensions and standard bills. Should we look at where the money is going for salaries, books, equipment, and the like? Something to look at might be, are we getting the best value in books, computers and equipment? Is there a way to get these items at lesser cost without compromising quality? Regardless, we must have enough teachers, aides and the supports to produce a sound education. Without cutting activities or sports, where can we find savings so we can give our children the quality they deserve?”
What is your message to voters?
“My message to voters is simple. We want our kids to get the best education possible, to do that we need to have equal parent representation on the board. You want someone who sees what is going on in the schools first hand. I can’t promise that I can get everything we need for our children, or more money for the teachers, aides, books or programs. What I can promise is that I will do my absolute best and will work with teachers, principals, parents and the community. I will use as many resources as we can in town to improve the way of life in our schools for our teachers and to get our students the absolute best education possible.”
Ethel S. Grant
Age: (Did not answer)
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, Central Connecticut State University, Master’s degree in education, Southern Connecticut State University
Political Experience: Board of Education (three terms)
Occupation: Retired teacher and dean of students at Kaynor Technical High School
Why are you running for school board?
“With each term served on the BOE, I have gained more insight and appreciation of the operation of the BOE; and I continue to share in the optimism of our superintendent, her team, our parents and our teachers about the district’s goal of achieving even greater educational gains in the coming years. I enjoy serving on the BOE and welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to the development of successful and confident Naugatuck graduates.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“The overall most important issue facing students is to find within themselves the best way to position themselves to receive the most out of the education provided to them by the district; and to then be able to apply that knowledge and those acquired skills to succeed in future endeavors. Because students spend the better part of the day out of their home environment and away from their parents’ guidance, they need another ‘shoulder’ during that time, whether a teacher or mentor, someone with whom they feel comfortable in going to for guidance or words of encouragement if they are having difficulties in school life. If students feel confident, comfortable and respected in their surroundings, they only need to concern themselves with learning and achieving and enjoying school. I support the superintendent, who continues to encourage our teachers and administrators to reach out to every student in their care, and I will continue to encourage and support the implementing of mentoring programs, especially at the middle and high school levels.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“Our school budget is formed on a platform designed to deliver an equitable, quality education for all of our students. Parents and taxpayers expect that their tax dollars will provide for quality teachers and teaching that will produce successful learning experiences with the materials provided them. I will continue to support what we have done, that is to welcome the respective sharing of ideas and concerns with those who have been entrusted to oversee our borough’s fiscal agenda, with consideration for the educational agenda, keeping in mind what it is that students need to meet educational goals and be successful, including support for their emotional development and specific learning needs. Superintendent Sharon Locke and Assistant Superintendent Christopher Montini, with the support of the board, will continue to work honorably in preparing and presenting the budget with the goal to academic advancements for all students.”
What is your message to voters?
“As a former educator and parent of two daughters who graduated from our school system and have gone on to have successful careers, I realize how important it is that our children receive the best education we can offer. And as parents, teachers, citizens, community leaders, elected and appointed town officials, our priority should be as advocates for our students. I ask that we join together in encouraging our children to be learners, ‘responsible citizens, researchers, innovators, informed thinkers, communicators and problem solvers’ as well as compassionate and respectful. I welcome the opportunity to serve and will continue to do my best to contribute to the process of ‘empowering’ our students to achieve future successes. Lastly, exercise your right to vote; be that role model for our children.”
James M. Scully
Age: 70
Party: Democrat
Education: Crosby High School
Political Experience: Board of Education (12 years); Democratic Town Committee; Charter Revision Commission
Occupation:
The information above was updated from 2017. The candidate did not respond to the Citizen’s News candidate questionnaire.
Stephen Samela
Age: 32
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, University of Connecticut; Master’s degree in autism and applied behavior analysis, The Sage Colleges
Political Experience: None
Occupation: Board certified behavior analyst
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I am running for the Board of Education so I can use my ten years of experience working in schools, three as a behavior analyst, to help improve our schools. I want Naugatuck to be an even more attractive town for young families to settle down and invest in our community. I want my future child to have as many opportunities as possible when he or she starts school in Naugatuck.”
What do you think is the most important issue facing Naugatuck students and how would you address it?
“I believe the most important issue is the opportunities we, as a school district, can provide for students. There is a rich history of manufacturing in this area and we have recently seen small manufacturing companies come back to Naugatuck. Naugatuck is an ideal district to compete for the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Program that the state legislature approved last session. If selected, Naugatuck High School students would have the opportunity to earn college credit from NVCC at no charge to families. Our schools must provide adequate resources to its special education programs. The science is clear, appropriate early interventions is the most effective way to make lifelong positive changes in those with developmental disabilities. To give our special education students the best opportunity to lead independent and fulfilling lives, our programs must be fully staffed and well trained.”
How will you approach building a school budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year?
“My number one priority is to ensure our district is fully compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In order to provide our students with a free and appropriate public education, as federal law states, our programs must be staffed appropriately, and teachers and related service providers must have access to resources they need in a timely manner. I want to make sure that everything in the budget is necessary and cost effective. I want to make sure the budget will help improve collegiate, vocational opportunities and help provide a brighter future for students with special needs.”
What is your message to voters?
“My wife and I chose to buy a house and settle down here in Naugatuck. We believe in the direction of this town and the sense of community that makes it feel like home. I believe I have a unique perspective when it comes to education and I want to do all that I can to responsibly improve our schools and by extension, our town.”
