To the Editor:

My family and I moved to Newtown a little over a year ago and we have really loved the community — close to major centers, but with a rural feel; great restaurants, many community events, and good schools. This is why I was surprised to see two seemingly unrelated issues occur over the course of the last year: awarding the school transportation contract to a company outside the community for marginal savings and over the loud opposition of the main stakeholder — the parents of children traveling on the buses; and the investigation by the state into the practices of the special education administration. The link between these two issues: the Board of Education.

This is why I’m happy to be able to lend my support to Eric Paradis, candidate for the Newtown Board of Education. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Eric, a special education instructor, as an educator in a neighboring Fairfield County community. In my time working with Eric, I have seen him work to improve the education for students with special needs. I also know that as a father with children of his own in the school system, Eric would listen to the requests of the parents and he would be aware of the needs of the student population.

One of the final factors in deciding to raise my family in Newtown was the reputation of the education system here. The events of the last year have shaken that reputation. That’s why I support Eric Paradis for Board of Education, to make decisions in the best interest of the children of Newtown.

Matt Bracksieck

65 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Newtown                       October 10, 2011