The forum was organized by the Parent Teacher Organizations from Brookside Elementary, Fox Run Elementary, Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School, as well as the Parents Club of Brien McMahon High School.
Fourteen candidates crowded the stage and answered questions ranging from how the achievement gap between white and minority students can be closed to strategies on how to prepare Norwalk students for the 21st Century. Also addressed were issued on overcrowding, facilities planning, redistricting and racial imbalance, and the image of Norwalk's schools.
"We wanted to send a message to politicians that they need to work together," said Lisa Thomson, Co-President of the Roton PTO and one of the organizers of the event. "Education is an issue for the entire city not just the BOE and Superintendent. Everybody has a piece of the education pie"
The debate started with each candidate introducing themselves and speaking about their interest and role in improving education in Norwalk.
BOE Chairwoman Rosa Murray who is running for a fourth term called herself an experienced leader with a long list of accomplishments. She emphasized her work building consensus amongst board members and forging school and community partnerships.
Sue Haynie, the former President of the PTO Council who is running as a Republican on the Parents Not Politicians ticket said that while Norwalk school we good they could become the best in the state and the nation with the right leadership in place.
Republican Artie Kassimis focused on the his belief that the present BOE and former superintendent Sal Corda did not communicate with the public. He cited his experience in trying to "raise the flag" on gang violence at Norwalk High and not receiving any response. Mr. Kassimis also emphasized fiscal responsibility saying it was irresponsible for the BOE to commission expensive studies and not put in place the recommendations.
Democrat Amy Jimenez who had previously served on the BOE from 1990 to 2000 and was appointed this year to serve out Bruce Kimmel's term. also cited her experience. "I know how how long it takes to become a good working board member," she said. Ms. Jimenez said that a BOE member needed to have a good understanding of the various state education and labor laws.
Steve Colorossi, a corporate lawyer running as a Republican said that he wanted to focus on the achievement gap and early childhood education. He was frustrated by the current BOE during the budget process because "they didn't have the courtesy to respond" to questions sent in by the public.
Shirley Mosby, a Democrat, who was appointed to complete Rick Fuller's term, spoke about her strong ties to Norwalk and her desire to create a high quality educational system.
Fellow Democrat Heidi Keys who runs a pre-school in Silvermine said that community participation, communication, and board visibility would help improve Norwalk schools.
Republican Erin Halsey said she believed that the BOE had to work to keep the best teachers in Norwalk.
The forum was attended by Mayor Dick Moccia (R) and his Democrat challenge Steve Serasis. Chris Potts (D), Nora King (D), Andy Conroy (R) and Victor Cavallo (R) who are running for Common Council in District E. All eight candidate vying for the four BOE seats attended as well.
The issue of facilities planning, enrollment and overcrowding came up several times during the debate. Mr. Serrasis held up a copy of a 2001 facilities plan that addressed increasing enrollment which he said was quite accurate in describing the current enrollment in Norwalk's schools.
"The city should have been planning based on this previous study. The city should have had the vision," he said.
Mr. Moccia retorted that a new facilites plan had been presented to the BOE addressing all the capital needs. A part of the funds would be used to commission a study to specifically address the elementary school overcrowing issues.
Mr. Colarossi also said that the BOE needs a better long term plan to address facilities needs citing portables at Jefferson and Rowayton as unacceptable. Ms. Keyes called the portables a "band-aid".
Bussing, redistricting and racial balance were also discussed at length. Mr. Potts said the schools should "manage racial balance" and said that racial sensitivity and an appreciation for multi-culturalism is as important as the"three Rs".
Mayor Moccia said that the State may come in and impose redistricting upon the Norwalk schools.
Several of the candidates said that we should have more community dialogue about this issue.
"We have to think of creative ways to address the issue of racial balance. It can't go on the way it is," said Ms. Murray.
The moderator asked what is the biggest single item that can reduce cost for the system. The mayoral candidates stated energy efficiency, recycling and joint purchasing with other city departments. Ms. Haynie also added that there is considerable opportunity for cost savings in the area of special education.
Were you at the debate? What did you think?
The issue of facilities planning, enrollment and overcrowding came up several times during the debate. Mr. Serrasis held up a copy of a 2001 facilities plan that addressed increasing enrollment which he said was quite accurate in describing the current enrollment in Norwalk's schools.
"The city should have been planning based on this previous study. The city should have had the vision," he said.
Mr. Moccia retorted that a new facilites plan had been presented to the BOE addressing all the capital needs. A part of the funds would be used to commission a study to specifically address the elementary school overcrowing issues.
Mr. Colarossi also said that the BOE needs a better long term plan to address facilities needs citing portables at Jefferson and Rowayton as unacceptable. Ms. Keyes called the portables a "band-aid".
Bussing, redistricting and racial balance were also discussed at length. Mr. Potts said the schools should "manage racial balance" and said that racial sensitivity and an appreciation for multi-culturalism is as important as the"three Rs".
Mayor Moccia said that the State may come in and impose redistricting upon the Norwalk schools.
Several of the candidates said that we should have more community dialogue about this issue.
"We have to think of creative ways to address the issue of racial balance. It can't go on the way it is," said Ms. Murray.
The moderator asked what is the biggest single item that can reduce cost for the system. The mayoral candidates stated energy efficiency, recycling and joint purchasing with other city departments. Ms. Haynie also added that there is considerable opportunity for cost savings in the area of special education.
Were you at the debate? What did you think?
Posts
I thought last night's forum was excellent. It was one of the most informative formats I've been to in years. Kudos to the organizers, not just for organizing it, but for the outstanding questions - you really tackled the big ones. They got to the heart of the education issues that Norwalk is facing (and the nation). And the answers, as well as some non-answers, were telling.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was particularly striking that no one really seemed to understand the premise of the "how do we prepare students for the 21st century" question. There wasn't discussion on the need to re-think our education system, that what we're teaching to kids isn't preparing them for the increasingly globalized world they'll be graduating into, how to best teach critical thinking/analysis skills, promote higher-order thinking, etc.
I agree with that point. I felt that no one full addressed that point as well. Though test scores are important, developing critical thinking and listening skills with our children are essential. I thought the mayor didn't have a full grasp on where the education of our city needs to go.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with the comments above, I think that most candidates for local office are not trained or educated for these positions. They are citizens like you and I who want to give back to the community. For example, they should have an opinion about 21st century education but it is the teachers, administrators and superintendant that should be able to answer that question with certainty. Of course, BOE sets policy but under the vision of the superintendant.
ReplyDeleteIt curious to me that Moccia initiated a facilities study, around the same time Serasis announced in his platform speech in July that he would be mandating a study if elected! Hmm! wish Moccia listened as well when not running for elected office!
ReplyDeleteThe debate was interesting, although not fair to the candidates that some got easy questions and others difficult, e.g. racial balance and redistricting. Also, a waste of time asking Council candidates that question as they have no jurisdiction. They should have asked Council candidates about contracts or capital budget issues.
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting answers to me were those of Rebublicans who are unaware that Norwalk schools are no longer working on the "neighborhood schools" system. Wake up folks, most of our kids ride a bus to school and have for many years! The answer to this is more choice for parents and students, magnet schools, etc. Parents are happy to have their kids go to schools in the "inner city" if there is a good choice like Columbus or Side by Side. Of course, the teachers and administrators have fought against this for years, resulting in the charter school movement.
The other elephant in the room that got little play was the huge number of Hispanic students who are underserved. Very few of the schools have a bilingual staff member to communicate with parents. This is appalling considering how many years the numbers have been increasing. How can you expect to increase student achievement in these conditions?