What Makes A Good Chairman

To the Editor:

I would like to extend my congratulations to the members of the Board of Education who won their seats in this past election. I wish them the best success as leaders of our educational system.

On December 1, a reorganization of the board will take place and a new chairperson will be elected. It is my hope that the individual who fills this critical position appreciates the importance of the ability for board members to request that particular items be placed on a meeting agenda for discussion and debate. The chairperson and superintendent control the agenda, but it is the individual board members with new ideas that will make the BOE proactive and dynamic.

When the candidates for chairperson make their pitch to the other members, the question should be asked of each of them if they will recognize and support the right of any member to have an item placed on an agenda for the consideration of the entire board. A candidate who does not agree with this concept should not be elected to this position.

George Caracciolo

Schoolhouse Hill Road, Newtown                           November 4, 2009