Patch Candidate Profile: Kenneth Marcucio 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:

Kenneth Marcucio Sr.

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

Derby

Party Affiliation:

Democratic

Occupation:

Retired-Formally a teacher in Derby

Family:

Wife=Judy Children=Karen, Ken Jr., Brian, Scott. We all attended the Derby School System.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes-Board of Education in Derby.

Why are you seeking this office?

To help the children receive the best possible education in Derby using my experience as a former Teacher in Derby and also as a Board member for many years.

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

Taxes--How to best use the money that we receive from the city, state and federal government to improve the educational system in Derby. Our students need to improve on their reading skills in the elementary and middle school levels so they can handle high school when they get there. Too many students cannot read at grade level which impairs their learning when they get to high school.

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

I have been a resident of Derby all of my life and have taught in the Derby School system for 36 years, so I know what the problems are that we face. I have also been on the Board of Education for many years which give me experience that others may not have.

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

Most important issue is to get people to realize what the problems are with our local educational system and how to better solve all of these problems. We have to use the monies we receive in areas that will better help our students. Too many students are failing in the 9th grade because they cannot read at the proper grade level. I have had difficulty in getting others to realize this. Our students are not going to improve it they cannot read and we tend to sugar coat this and ignore the real problems.

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

I have been a successful teacher in Derby for many years before I retired and know what the problems are that we face every year. I have received awards from CABE for attending many conferences throughout my career as a Teacher and Board member to get the additional knowledge necessary to be a better Teacher when I was teaching and also a more knowledgeable Board member.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To try to work with people by being evenly tempered all the time.

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

I have the experience to better serve our children in Derby. I know what the problems are and how we can improve our school system. It is a matter of convincing others that we have to work on solving these problems so our children can get the education they deserve.