Patch Candidate Profile: Jerry Stevens For Monroe Board Of Education

MONROE, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name: Jerry Stevens

What office are you seeking? Board of Education

What town do you live in? Monroe

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Retired Monroe Teacher - 34 years; Business owner of Stevens Resources LLC - 11 years

Family: Married to wife, Kathy. We have 2 adult children who attended Monroe schools, and 4 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes, I was appointed to the Monroe Economic Development Commission in 2014. Elected to the Monroe Board of Education in 2015 to present.

Why are you seeking this office? I am honored to be a retired Monroe teacher. I am a life-long Monroe resident and a proud graduate of our school system. In one way or another, I have been associated with Monroe Public schools for 50+ years. As a student, teacher and parent of Monroe graduates, I know first-hand how important education is to our future generations.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The education and safety of our students and staff is paramount. Our town needs a strategic plan for the future of our school facilities and enrollment now. I currently serve on the Board of Education Ad hoc facility sub-committee. It is my intention to champion proposals that meet the needs of our community and students in a fiscally responsible manner with regard to taxes. Ultimately, these proposals would go to the town for approval so the community will have a voice.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I bring a unique perspective to issues presented to the Board of Education, due to my 34 years of experience as a former Monroe teacher. My direct knowledge of how decisions may impact students and staff on a practical level allows for constructive discussions at the Board level.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? My dedication to our students and town is why I am seeking re-election to our Board of Education. Any issues relevant to student/staff health, safety and learning are of concern to me. I will continue to champion causes with robust discussion to ensure our town delivers the exemplary education for which we are known.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have served on the Board of Education for 10 years. During that time, I have been an active participant in sub-committees for: union negotiations, school calendar, interview and administration staff hiring, Ad hoc facilities, and a long serving member of the Policy Committee.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice I ever received as a teacher was to. "Show them, help them, watch them, let them".

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Past accomplishments include: 2006 Monroe Teacher of the Year, 2007 CT Technology Education Teacher of the Year, Past-President of the CT Technology Education Association, 30 year member of the CT Technology Education Association Executive Board, State of CT STEM Committee, and Monroe STEM Committee.