Refresh the Board of Education
Election Day is around the corner and voters have a chance to change the composition of the Board of Education. I am excited about the fresh candidates on both the Republican and Democratic lines of the ballot. New faces may help the BOE restore its positive focus and be partners in improvement.
The role of the Board of Education (BOE) is often misunderstood, even by some of its members and candidates. The BOE is a governing body, not a managerial board. It is not a watchdog agency. Unlike other city boards that may function as a check and balance to the elected mayor and other city officials, the BOE hires the superintendent to be the chief executive. She oversees the dayto-day operations of the school system.
It is incumbent on the BOE to support the superintendent and administration, while holding them accountable. Board members should advocate for the schools, not become detractors and mouthpieces for sensationalizing problems. There are problems to be sure, but the seagull approach — fly in, flap your wings, make a lot of noise, leave a mess, and fly away — is not helpful. While election campaign rhetoric is understandable, a constant diet of negativity is not constructive. Usually, it is much more productive to respectfully collaborate with the administration in search of solutions. Progress requires cooperation and hard work.
Make your voices heard on Election Day — Nov. 2.
Andy George is a member of the Stamford Board of Education. This is his personal opinion and is not a statement from the board.
The role of the Board of Education (BOE) is often misunderstood, even by some of its members and candidates. The BOE is a governing body, not a managerial board. It is not a watchdog agency. Unlike other city boards that may function as a check and balance to the elected mayor and other city officials, the BOE hires the superintendent to be the chief executive.