Someone

At The Table

To the Editor:

Do you know what the differences are between the candidates for the Board of Education? I’m Julie Luby and I’m running for the Board of Education because I know what quality instruction looks like and what effective school systems are all about.

My decision to run for the Board of Education was a practical one, not a political one. I want to make sure that Newtown offers a high quality education, and this is what I know. What I don’t know, or didn’t anyway, was much about politics. As the election grows near I have watched people maneuvering and positioning, trying to gain momentum. People are campaigning hard because they want to win. Winning hasn’t been on my mind. Serving on the Board of Education, an enormous responsibility and a great opportunity, has.

A Board of Education would be well served by a variety of different perspectives. It is imperative that one of those be a highly trained and skilled educator. Perhaps you’ve heard the expression, “trust, but verify”? The board makes countless decisions that affect our children and our community, largely based on trust.

So, someone at the table should know what the components of an effective curriculum are. Someone at the table should know what the strong recommendations in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Report mean. Someone at the table should know how censorship issues are being handled around the country. Someone at the table should know why we can’t shorten recess at the elementary level. Someone at the table should know when the data we’re looking at is incomplete.

I am a candidate for the Board of Education because I know all of these things. Can you say that about all of the candidates? If you’re not sure, find out.

 Recently a resident e-mailed me and the other board candidates a list of topics to express an opinion on. Her response to my thoughts was, “Thank you so much for your in-depth answers. You truly have thought through these issues and are not afraid to state your opinion. I greatly appreciate your time and effort.” She will be able to make a decision about whom to vote for because she knows what each candidate believes and can do. Some candidates are asking for your vote. I am not asking you for anything. I am offering to serve you and the children of Newtown by bringing to the board my knowledge of education, my concerns as a parent, and my wish to be fiscally responsible as a taxpayer.

Your decision will be easier if you take every opportunity you can to ask questions of the people who are running for office. Call them on the phone. Send them e-mails. Get the information you need so that you can make a decision you’ll be thrilled with. On Election Day, vote for the candidate who gave you straightforward answers that demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of running a school system.

Julie Luby

Candidate for Board of Education

15 Fox Run Lane South, Newtown                           October 24, 2007