Stickles Resigns From School Board

By Tanjua Damon

School board member Sheila Stickles announced this week that she has stepped down from the Board of Education effectively immediately, saying that she no can no longer devote the time the position requires. Ms Stickles began her four-term on the board in 1999.

She stated that because of personal and professional commitments, she is unable to continue as a member of the Board of Education. Ms Stickles explained that she could not give it the “full attention,” she felt the position deserves.

Ms Stickles explained that she wanted to become a part of the education process in Newtown because of the high quality of education.

“I became interested in becoming a Board of Education member after I brought my two children to the Newtown public school system in September 1998,” she said. “I was quickly impressed by the high quality of education they were receiving. This high quality and the dedication of the teaching staff made me wish to participate in the system personally.”

Ms Stickles noted that the work on the board is “multifaceted” with contract negotiations, budget development, school construction, policy and procedure revision, and curriculum approval all included in a member’s duties.

“Most gratifying of all that is required of a board member, however, is the interaction he or she has with Newtown’s school personnel, administrators, teachers, custodians, aides, and all others involved in educating our children. They are a remarkable group,” Ms Stickles said. “It has been an honor to work with all of them in the collective effort of serving Newtown’s students. It is this interaction I will most miss.”

Members of the school board expressed thanks to Ms Stickles for serving on the board at their Tuesday night meeting, which she did not attend.

“She certainly has been a great asset to the board,” board chairman Elaine McClure said. “We will surely miss her presence.”

Although Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff has worked with Ms Stickles for only a short time, he explained that she provided great insight on board issues.

“Sheila’s talents will be missed. She has been an intelligent, reflective, and caring board member who always provided a balanced approach to dealing with board issues,” Dr Pitkoff said. “She could always clearly articulate her vision for the schools. Her devotion to the cause of improving the quality of life for all students was always evident.”

The Republican Town Committee will be accepting applications from interested community members who wish to fill the remaining months of Ms Stickles seat. She was up for reelection this November. A Republican must fill the seat in order to preserve equal representation of the town’s two major parties on the board. Interested candidates should contact Republican Candidate Committee chairman Barbara O’Connor at 426-1515.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Owen Carney said he hopes the committee would be able to provide the Board of Education with a couple of candidates within the next two weeks. The board will then interview the candidates and select one. The town charter requires that the position be filled within 30 days of the resignation announcement.

Dr Pitkoff hoped that the newest board member when selected would continue with the visions of the district and current board.

“I hope the newest board member is someone who brings a balanced approach to problem solving and has the best interest of students in mind at all times,” Dr Pitkoff said.