Don’t Overlook The School Board Race

To the Editor:

As we approach election day, the body politic in Newtown will become more and more focused on the race for first selectman. This office represents the leadership for our local government and it is, without doubt, an important position that can impact the direction our town takes in the future.

 There will be other contests on the ballot, such as those for Legislative Council, town clerk, Board of Finance, etc. Some of these critical races are for seats on the Board of Education. Although these contests do not capture the attention of the voting public as does the bid for first selectman, the public should not underestimate the significance of these positions.

Your school board is not just responsible for spending more than 70 percent of your tax dollars, it is entrusted with the education and safety of our precious children. The Board of Education has faced serious challenges and turmoil recently, including a new superintendent, severe budget cuts, busing and school start times controversies, and the resignation of three members in the last year.

In spite of this, I am confident that the voting public will give sufficient attention to the current school board candidates this year in order to make informed decisions at the polls, so that the coming election will return the school board to a state of stability with focus and direction to resolve these problems.

The citizens of Newtown should be indebted to all those individuals from every political persuasion willing to make a personal commitment to public service. Our town and our school system is growing and changing rapidly and the challenges facing the individuals who rise to these offices are indeed difficult. The founding fathers of this great nation understood this and their confidence in a government “by the people” has survived and served us well for more than two centuries. It will continue so in Newtown.

George Caracciolo

Schoolhouse Hill Road, Newtown                            October 10, 2003