NORWICH – Norwich City School District held its annual “Meet the Candidates” night on Tuesday where five candidates answered prepared questions as well as questions from the audience ahead of May 15’s school board election when three seats will be filled.

Incumbent Jennifer Collins, and candidates Brian Burton, Jamie Maistros, Brian Reid, and Herb Ryan each explained why they are running for school board and what strides they think could be made on behalf of the board of education to improve the district.

Why they are seeking a seat on the board:

Before questions, the candidates were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and explain why they are seeking a seat on the board.

Reid said, “I run because I want the board to be a source of pride in the community, a group that’s looked upon as key leaders who will work together for the best solution for the children, faculty, and community. Finally, I’m running because I want to be the positive change needed to make all these things happen.”

Maistros said, “I’m running for the board of education because this is my home and my community, and I’m looking for a way to give back to support the very programs that brought me to this point...I know the excellent educators and staff members and students that we have here, I know the power that a cohesive board of education can have over helping to drive the vision of our school community and I would really like to be a part of that.”

Burton said, “I have a vested interest as a parent, a taxpayer, and as an active member of our community. I truly cannot wait to help make a difference. I feel the election is one that is coming at the right time; we have so many wonderful things in our district we need to celebrate, as well as opportunities for improvement, and I’m hoping to be a part of both of those things.”

Collins said, “I’m concerned for our students that they get the kind of education in this school that I got through the ‘50s and into 1968...I take great pride in making myself educated about things concerning education, being a good board member, what’s happening in trends, what’s happening specifically in dealing with board issues that come up on a regular basis. For that reason, I feel the work isn’t done, and I’d like to continue.”

Ryan said, “I think education is the great equalizer no matter what...I’m running for the position of school board because I have the time, the energy, and the desire to contribute to our community.

Questions from

the audience:

In kicking-off the public question and answer portion, Norwich Educators Organization President Eric Cunningham asked the candidates a question that came from students at Norwich High School. “The students have asked, ‘What is your plan to increase mental health services here in our school district?’”

Burton was the first to respond, saying that he believes awareness of what resources are available is a key component in improving mental health. While noting it is the board’s role to listen to administrators, Burton said, “You got to have professionals in place, you got to hire the right professionals, or you have to participate in programs that provide those professionals.”

Collins said in her experience the board is limited in what it can do in terms of mental health mandates that have come before it. “As much as a district can do, or is mandated to do, or is funded to do, this district has paid attention and is doing it,” said Collins. “It is not something that the board has had to bring to the administration and say, ‘Please do this.’”

Reid responded that he believes early intervention is critical in mental health. “I think too often kids go misdiagnosed...Parents need to also be as educated as much as possible. Early intervention, and catching kids before they get to middle school or high school, and then providing resources to staff members and faculty to be able to work with them.”

Maistros noted that mental health is a concern that’s growing rapidly. “Our students today are facing anxiety and input at a rate they have never faced before, and it’s coming in different forms, and being diagnosed in different ways than ever before. Yes, it’s kind of an unfunded mandate, but we have to fill the gap. And we’re starting to do that.”

Another question from the audience came from Ed Erickson, who said, “The three of you who are elected next summer have the most critical decision to be made in our school district in 13 years, and that is to continue the contract of our superintendent. So what I want to know, very simple...Will you vote to extend the contract of the superintendent beyond next September of ‘19, yes or no?”

Burton responded, “As a professional and a business person as well, I don’t think that’s a question I can really answer with a thumbs up or a thumbs down, especially to potential new board members as we have not had the opportunity to work that closely with the current superintendent.” He continued to say in the event NCSD Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan opted not to continue his position, he would like to be part of a committee who has a say in who would fill the position.

Reid said, “I don’t think that’s an appropriate question to answer to be quite honest, we’re dealing with people, and I get that that decision will need to be made at some point, but I dont think a public forum should decide someone’s future and be talking about that that way. That being said, I think the decision needs to be made.”

Ryan said, “I will say if elected I will definitely be a staunch supporter of the teachers, but like these other prospective members, I have my ideas and I have my beliefs but I don’t think this is the proper forum to make that decision.”

Collins expressed that it is a tough question for her to answer. “It’s been a difficult road. I probably know a little more intimately what’s happening because I’ve been there on a daily basis, and I’ve seen the statistics and they boggle me. The one thing I say to myself – and I have not made a commitment – but I will say this: How many losing seasons before you fire the coach?”