The Citizen’s News asked candidates running for Region 16 Board of Education in Beacon Falls in the Nov. 7 municipal election four questions. Their responses are below:
Name: Christine M. Arnold
Age: 53
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Connecticut; Master of Social Work, Southern Connecticut State University
Political Experience: Board of Education: One term (four years)
Occupation: School Social Worker, Oxford Board of Education
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I have been serving on the Board of Education for the past four years and enjoy making a difference for the students in our town. I have gained valuable experience during my first term which will help me to make informed decisions, and believe I have a good working relationship with the other board members and superintendent.”
What can be done to improve education in Region 16?
“Collaboration between administrators is important (and ongoing) to assist with curriculum alignment and to effectively transition students between each school. School personnel also frequently need to examine data to identify areas that need improvement and to adjust programs and interventions accordingly. I have supported adding a SAT prep course to improve achievement, as well as a math lab and AP/ECE courses at the high school, and enrichment programs at the middle and elementary levels.”
How will you balance the needs of students with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?
“I believe it’s important to advocate for student needs, but of course it’s also necessary to be fiscally responsible. We continuously need to look for ways to save money without compromising what is in the best interests of students. It often requires a lot of time, effort and thoughtful discussion to make decisions that take into consideration both taxpayers’ and students’ needs. I also have confidence that our superintendent, director of finance and business operations, and school administrators will provide us with a sensible budget to begin with, and welcome feedback from parents and other community members.”
What is your message to voters?
“I have been working as a school social worker in education for the past 18 years and can advocate effectively for both students and teachers. I’m also a parent and concerned taxpayer. I am dedicated to my profession, work hard, and I’m motivated to put in the extra effort required to collaboratively serve on the Board of Education.”
Name: Erik Dey
Age:
Party: Democrat
Education: Doctorate of Education: Educational Leadership, New England College, Henniker, N.H. Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study: Administration, New England College, Henniker, N.H. Master of Arts: Curriculum and Instruction Summa Cum Laude, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn. Bachelor of Arts Summa Cum Laude: Educational Studies, History, and Political Science, New England College, Henniker, N.H.
Political Experience: Library Board of Trustees Board Chairman, 2011-Present.
Occupation: Teacher, grade 8 social studies
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I am running for Board of Education to serve my community by utilizing my particular expertise, experience, and education. I want to help support teachers and administrators do what is best for kids by eliminating obstacles that are expensive for taxpayers, waste time for administrators, overburden teachers, and prevent students from building the skills they need for success.”
What can be done to improve education in Region 16?
“To improve education in Region 16 we need to focus on the skills students need to be successful and competitive in the rapidly changing world. Additionally, we need to provide necessary and meaningful professional development to educators in order to support them in serving the community.”
How will you balance the needs of students with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?
“Balancing the needs of students and the needs of taxpayers is a priority of mine, and has been a focus of my life for the past three years. My doctorate dissertation looked at improving student performance without increase the financial cost to the community. There are ways to use our resources more effectively to increase student performance.”
What is your message to voters?
“There are many communities that are starting to feel the long-term impact of insufficient support of education. Low student performance has a correlation to increased teen pregnancy, crime, violent crime, low property value and low earning power, which is linked to the economic strength of the community. Communities with lower student performance also see a decrease of volunteers in emergency services like the fire department, ambulance crews, and other EMS workers. Regardless of the election, we need to work towards a strong community, which is supportive of the long-term success of everyone.”
Name: James Eugene Huk
Age: 49
Party: Democrat
Education: BA English Language Arts, Hunter College, CUNY; MBA Finance, University of Connecticut
Political Experience: Current member and former chair of the Beacon Falls Board of Finance (six years)
Occupation: Director of Program Management, CTO Office, UBS AG
Why are you running for Board of Education?
“I think my experience, both in the private sector and in town, will be beneficial to the district, at an important time as we deal with the issues at the state level. I’m a former teacher that currently works in finance, so I understand the educational environment while also knowing about municipal budgeting. I am also certified by the state for education business management. I have two kids in the system so obviously want what’s best for them, but also understand the reality we face in both towns.”
What can be done to improve education in Region 16?
“I have generally been very impressed with the experience both of my kids have had, one in Long River and another who just started at Woodland. As I am writing this my daughter just texted me about something she enjoyed in her English class. With any organization, especially one this size, there is always room for improvement, and the areas I’d like to emphasize as a member of the board are consistent implementation of curriculum, standardization of practices for assessment and homework informed by the best current research on the topic, improving our performance on testing, and ensuring the long term viability of school services with budget planning that meets the needs of students without over-encumbering the taxpayer.”
How will you balance the needs of students with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?
“The region has had more than enough funding over the last three years, so there is no question the students’ needs have been met as I wouldn’t expect the administration to not use funds they received via taxes. I think there needs to be improvement in budgeting that make very clear the funding request to the towns and the direct impact to the benefit of the students as part of a strategic plan to address issues such as low math scores. All expenditures should be made clear to the taxpayers and present on the budget, not made as a result of excess budgeting after the budget has passed.”
What is your message to voters?
“As a member of the Board of Ed, my top priority will be to ensure our students (I have two in the system) have what they need to achieve their highest level of ability. I also feel strongly that there needs to be greater administration of the curriculum to ensure that each student, regardless of which class they are in, receive an equivalent level of instruction, with the same methods for assessing their progress. I will also work to ensure that the best interest of the town I represent is reflected in the decisions that we make, and offer as much of my knowledge and expertise in the private sector toward all of these priorities.”
