Patch Candidate Profile: Ivey Speight For Derby Board Of Education

DERBY, 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:

Ivey Speight

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

Derby

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Occupation:

Director of Communications for 10 years.

Family:

Yes: mom, dad, sister, two nephews.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

To make Derby's schools the best in the state. To rid school's of politics and focus on educating and empowering students.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

Finding the skills to succeed and live the American dream. I want to make an education from the Derby school system valuable which will help the students enter higher education or give them the skills to succeed in a field of their choosing

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am one of the youngest candidates in the field for the Board of Education which gives me the ability to relate to the students. I also have a decade of experience working in college athletics so I know the importance of a college education, academics, and how athletics can attract talent

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

How we can tell the story of Derby's schooling system and all that we have to offer to attract more talented teachers and resources to help students succeed

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Decade of experience in telling the stories of student-athletes through social media and helping to grow the brand of a Division I college athletics program

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never give up.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would pride myself to be as open as possible. I will tell the voters the issues we discuss in meetings and what the points from both parties were. I love talking about politics and topics that will help make Derby great.