To the Editor:

We have known Dan Shea as a neighbor and friend for more than 40 years and consider him an excellent candidate for the Newtown Board of Education. As a longtime teacher, Dan is aware that fiscal responsibility begins with clear and sound budgets that streamline operational efficiency while sustaining high academic standards for all students.

Dan believes that Newtown schools are fully able to support a superior academic education second to none for all students. Dan is confident that we will realize this goal if the board carefully monitors curricular development, class size, and academic rigor while forestalling budgetary drift into nonacademic areas that do not enhance a core curriculum essential for achieving the high standards we want our children to experience.

Dan Shea will be an exceptional addition to the Newtown Board of Education. He knows how the educational system functions and is prepared to address decisions, both fiscal and academic, that currently hamper our district’s educational development.

Sincerely

Bob and Kathy Geckle

35 Queen Street, Newtown                                         October 10, 2011