Patch Candidate Profile: Jim Gildea 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:

Jim Gildea

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

Derby

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Director of Manufacturing

Family:

Father of 7: Christina, Samantha, Melissa, Jessica, Emily, Matthew and Joshua.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Derby Board of Education 26 years, Chair 20 years. Capital Planning Commission, Lake Housatonic Commission. Former member of: Water Pollution Control Authority, Zoning Commision.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for the Derby Board of Education to help improve local schools, support students and teachers, and make a difference in my community. It's a chance to be involved in important decisions about education and future generations.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is student learning and readiness for all students. I plan to focus on the mission to educate all students. While I appreciate the importance of higher education, we also must recognize that not all students will pursue a college path. Therefore, we must continue to enhance alternative opportunities, such as our advanced manufacturing program. Building strong connections with local businesses is essential; a prime example is our recent partnership with Griffin Hospital, which aims to prepare our students to become qualified technicians capable of taking vital measurements and assisting in the healthcare field. For those opting for higher education, it’s vital that we continually challenge them by offering advanced placement and honors classes and providing a rigorous curriculum designed to ensure they are competing with their peers. Additionally, we must prioritize early intervention programs for our younger students to address their needs at an early stage.

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

My experience is unparcelled. I have been on the Board of Education for 26 years and have served 20 years as its Chair.

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

1. Funding and Budget Constraints.
2. Student Mental Health and Well-being.

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

My previous service of 26 years with 20 of those as the Chair.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It's awful hard to pick just one but if I had to it would be: never measure yourself against others but rather measure yourself against the best that you can be.

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

I was born and raised in Derby and I love this City as much as possible.