To the Editor:

When reflecting upon which candidate we believe will best serve the needs of our community on the BOE, we should consider the following traits:

Experience — Don Ramsey has 39 years of active service in public education fulfilling multiple roles, not the least of which is his service to our town. Encompassing an impressive range of districts, disciplines, and demographics. Including an administrative level position.

Vision — Far too many of our elected representatives have lost sight of their essential responsibilities in favor of various dubious, politically motivated initiatives which have limited utility. Mr Ramsey has amply demonstrated his consistent and steadfast commitment to fostering excellence, in preparing our youth for positive and productive lives as they mature into adulthood.

What are our expectations? I believe our school board should focus upon three primary functions:

1. Budgetary oversight: Mr Ramsey understands what it means to be “well-funded, yet under-resourced.” Should our hard-earned taxpayer contributions fund the salaries of various ancillary positions? Versus competitive compensation for our “line staff” of faculty who have direct contact with our student population? Should we commit to pay for yet another software service or program to track educator and student performance, in favor of providing practical resources for the educational process?

2. Conduit between the citizens of our community and the school system: Mr Ramsey is a master communicator who consistently demonstrates his gift for being open and approachable for anyone.

3. Recruiting and selecting the best possible administrative leadership from the superintendent through assistant principal positions: A healthy dynamic recognizes the value of appointing qualified individuals who have a clear vision for our future, rather than bureaucrats whose primary focus resides in compliance, which will result in mediocrity at best, or ultimately failure.

Marc Michaud

Sandy Hook