To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Lillian Bittman, a candidate for Newtown’s Board of Education. I believe that she is uniquely qualified to serve our community. Her intellect, motivation, and integrity has, and will continue to serve our community well. 

First, Mrs Bittman has extensive experience working with students, teachers, and parents in the Newtown schools. For nearly a decade she has run the student newspapers at Sandy Hook School and Reed Intermediate School as a volunteer. She has firsthand knowledge of many of the issues she will deal with as a school board member.

Secondly, her children are students at three different Newtown public schools. As the parent of a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old, I know that I could only guess how particular policy decisions will affect the day-to-day life of students at the various Newtown schools. For example, my daughter is a first grader, and therefore I cannot appreciate such things as what affect boarding the bus in the dark every morning would have on a teenager. Mrs Bittman knows.

Finally, Mrs Bittman is smart, enthusiastic, and devoted. I became acquainted with Mrs Bittman shortly after our family moved to Connecticut last year because we are part of the same book group. Although this may seem trivial, in fact it has been a great opportunity to discover what kind of person she is. We tend to select difficult books and she comes prepared — with additional research she has done, with similar books that she has enjoyed, and with insights based upon her unique life experience. She is the soul of the group and each month she brings her enthusiasm, her critical thinking, and her wit. Mrs Bittman is a student of life and she values education in its myriad forms. I believe that she will be an invaluable asset to the school board and I give her my full support.

Sincerely,

Amy Davis

12 Canterbury Road, Sandy Hook                            October 25, 2007