To the Editor:

I am writing to endorse two terrific candidates for the Board of Education, Eric Paradis and Frank Scalzo. Eric and I met when we worked together on a committee for Long Range Strategic Planning for the Board of Education. With his background in special education and social work he brought our discussions to a whole new level. His ability to think outside the box is impressive. He is the ideal candidate for the Board of Education — he currently works in another school district, has served on school committees and has children enrolled in our school system. His ability to see issues from all of these different perspectives will help him in his position on the Board of Education.

Frank Scalzo also has children in the school system and has attended many town and school meetings to gain an understanding of what it will take to help the Board of Education move forward. Frank is especially interested in curriculum and working to ensure that students are prepared as they move from one school to the next level. Another item he would like to like to address is purchasing the building next door to Hawley. He, like many others, believes there is a serious safety issue with the current parking lot situation. He would also like to see Blue Ribbon status come back to Newtown High School. Having seen the gifted program changed this year, Frank would like to revisit that to make sure what was put in place this year is working. He feels we need to be mindful of all students, not just those who are gifted or have special needs, but also the ones in the “middle.” Frank works for the state so he is keenly aware of needing to work within a system.

Both of these gentlemen will be terrific assets to the Board of Education and I am proud to give them my endorsement. 

Sincerely,

Anna Wiedemann

13 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook                              October 12, 2009