Letter: Board of Ed Chair O'Neill 'Is a Proven Leader'

To the editor,

Barbara O’Neill, Chairman of the Board of Education, is a proven leader who deserves your vote this Tuesday, Nov. 3.

In her career as a teacher in the Greenwich Public Schools, she served as the Administrator/Leader of the ALP Program (Advanced Learning Program, previously known as the Talented and Gifted Program). She transferred her leadership skills from there to the Board of Education, first as Vice Chairman and finally as Chairman.

Like all members of the Board, her goal is to assure that all students achieve to their highest potential which would also narrow the achievement gap. In addition, she led the board in securing State approval of a new racial balance plan without redistricting to preserve neighborhood schools and led the Board to approve the new building project for New Lebanon School which is grossly overcrowded. In addition, she led the Board to approve a strategic plan prioritizing initiatives and the use of district resources. These are just a few of the Board’s accomplishments during her tenure.

It should be noted that these actions were concluded in a totally bipartisan manner. The Board of Education has, in recent years, been engaged in a few rather contentious issues, yet Barbara has held things together, without impeding important decisions and accomplishments. It is to her credit, as an effective leader, that I urge voters to reelect Barbara O’Neill to the Board of Education.

Arline Lomazzo

Old Greenwich