Patch Candidate Profile: Marie Petitti For Trumbull Board Of Education

TRUMBULL, 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:

Marie Petitti

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

Trumbull

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Occupation:

Retired math teacher from Bridgeport Public Schools

Family:

Husband Antonio, 2 adult sons Michael and Lenny who graduated from Trumbull Public Schools K-12

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes this will be my 5th term if re-elected to Trumbull Board of Education.

Why are you seeking this office?

To continue Trumbull Public Schools commitment to an excellent education for all students by providing outstanding education opportunities.

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

taxes Continue to make critical investments in our students education by improving curricula that delivers rigorous, relevant and results driven outcomes while identifying opportunities for cost savings in health insurance, energy and capital projects.

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

Experience, our present BOE functions very successfully. Education should not be political. As one of the present BOE members we have worked to balance the needs of our students with the needs of our taxpayers. A strong school system benefits everyone.

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

Finding additional efficiencies while not impacting teaching and learning due to increased contractual obligations, benefits, transportation and the continuing escalation costs for unfunded mandates.

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

I was appointed for several years to the Park and Recreation Board before being elected to the BOE. As a math teacher for 30 plus years I was elected many times as the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the National Education Association (NEA) delegate to represent all Bridgeport teachers. This past summer I was elected as one of six Connecticut retired delegates to attend the CEA and NEA Convention. Presently I am the Association of Retired Teachers of CT (ARTC PAC) co-chair and serve on Legislative committees for ARTC and Greater Bridgeport Retired Teachers.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Balance in all you do.

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

Trumbull School System currently is ranked very highly in Connecticut and nationally. If elected again I will continue to preserve the reputation of Trumbull Public Schools as a high performing district. Our schools and many of our teachers and administrators have received several awards and citations. These achievements are a result of the BOE members working collaboratively with central office and the hard work of dedicated Trumbull teachers, students and families.