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May 17, 2005 The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee has nominated Dr. Rick Berzon as their candidate to fill the Board of Education seat recently vacated by a resignation. Dr. Berzon brings both vision and experience to the table. He understands that the quality of a community's education directly impacts the quality of the community itself, and that the right education is vital to the future success of our children, our young people and our town's vitality. Active in the community since the day he arrived here some ten years ago, Rick's focus has consistently been on education. He has entrusted his own children to our schools. His daughter graduated from HKHS and currently attends Beloit College in Wisconsin ; his son, Alex, is finishing the eighth grade at HKMS. Beginning with his service on the Facilities Study (Space Needs) Committee in 1997, and then as an elected member of the BOE in 2000, Rick has worked to ensure a first class education for our children and a supportive teaching environment for our educators. He currently serves as an appointed member of the Building Committee, and regularly attends BOE and school-related meetings. An early advocate for a new, free-standing middle school to accommodate the physical and emotional needs of our children and our teachers, he believes that small class sizes benefit both. Dr. Berzon will work to provide the resources required by the school system so that our children have the tools they need, including up-to-date textbooks, computers and related technologies. He sees this as a fundamental component in preparing them for an increasingly competitive world. From past experience on the Board, Berzon realizes that an ongoing dialogue with the community is crucial to future progress. Listening to the community's concerns and building consensus so that responsible decisions are made and responsible budgets are developed will be important elements of his approach to the demands of the position. In addition to bricks, mortar, and money issues, Rick states "There is no substitute for a progressive, challenging curriculum if test scores are to be improved and students are to be well prepared for the 21 century. I understand that attracting and retaining excellent teachers and administrators is a key variable in this effort." Clear in his own mind about why a good education matters, Dr. Berzon will bring qualifications and expertise to the BOE that can only benefit its performance. He has a 10-year history in the community and is familiar with the issues that are currently on the Board's plate; he is committed to improving the relationship between the town and the district; he has a track record of involvement with educational issues within the community; he is energetic and focused; and he can work with all the groups that make up this diverse community. Madeleine Albright in a recent speech at Southern Connecticut State University said, "History is a race between catastrophe and the right kind of education." Dr. Berzon's commitment to education reflects the seriousness of our former Secretary of State's remark. And that proven commitment is why we enthusiastically endorse him for the BOE seat. You can hear Rick speak for himself at the special Town Meeting on Monday, June 6 th at 8:00 PM in the all purpose room at KES. The election to fill the Board of Education vacancy will take place at that meeting. To learn more about the KDTC visit http://www.killingworth.dems.info or join us at our next meeting at the Library on Sunday, June 5, at 7pm. |
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