Endorsements: Haynie, Keyes, Colarossi, Kassimis

In this year’s BOE elections NorwalkNet.com endorses Sue Haynie (R), Heidi Keyes (D), Steve Colarossi, (R) and Artie Kassimis. (R).

This is a crucial election year for Norwalk schools. First and foremost, the BOE will have to select a new superintendent. Once that individual is chosen, the Board and the Superintendent will have to work together to take our schools to a higher level.  As we begin this new phase, I believe that we need new individuals with fresh ideas and commitment to be present on the Board to guide this process.

The primary purpose of a Board of Education is to make the school system accountable to the public.  After all, it’s our tax money and more importantly our children’s education at stake!   The culture of the current Board centers around control of information.  In fact, this board thinks that individual Board members shouldn’t provide their own opinions on school policies, but they need to speak collectively. The pervasive attitude of the incumbent candidates is that they owe no answers to the public or to parents, and that the public should come to them instead of vice versa. 

In order for a vibrant education system to flourish in Norwalk we need open and transparent communication, and this must start with our leaders; without communication there is dysfunction and mistrust. 

As a community of informed parents, teachers, administrators and concerned citizens, we need to get to the serious work of educating our children.

Sue Haynie is a passionate advocate for literacy and special education and has articulated an insistence on high standards for all our children.    Like her, I also believe reading is the key to all education.  She is correct to focus our attention on special education in Norwalk, which is in need of serious improvement.  As PTO Council president, she is a known and trusted person among parents. 

Heidi Keyes understands the importance of early childhood education, a field in which she is getting an advanced degree. She has spoken more than any other candidate about the importance of the teacher and the classroom in student achievement.  In addition, she has responded promptly to all of my questions to her, in spite of her fellow Democrats' silence.  Actions speak louder than words.

Steve Colarossi has been active in the Naramake and Nathan Hale PTOs.  He has not been afraid to stand up and fight for something in which he believes, particularly in the case of Naramake principal.  I also think his background as a lawyer will assist the board in navigating the world of state laws, labor relations and other complicated legal educational matters. 

Artie Kassimis is a former IT executive.  This district needs a school board that understands the importance of technology both as a tool for communication, but also a tool for student learning.  In addition, he is a man of action and took initiative on the problem of gang violence in our high schools and worked to ensure a safe environment for students.