Patch Candidate Profile: Robert Gerbert 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:

Robert Gerbert

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

Trumbull, Connecticut

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Occupation:

Executive Director at University of New Haven

Family:

Michelle (wife, 16 years); twin boys Jack and Jake (11 years old) attending Madison Middle School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Current member of Hillcrest Middle School Building Committee.

Why are you seeking this office?

As an engineer, I have worked in facilities management for 20 years, and specifically K12 to Higher Ed. I want to have a voice in making sure that our school buildings are properly maintained to provide a healthy and safe environment for our students to learn. Additionally, as a father of a son in special education, it is important to me that our special education programs have adequate resources to all these students to reach their full potential.

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

The single most pressing education issue is the condition of our school buildings. I fully support levels that will allow our buildings to be properly maintained. I moved to Trumbull for its quality schools, and the appearance of our buildings shows our residents and prospective home buyers that Trumbull citizens and its Board of Education are committed to providing the best educational experience for our students. We are building a new Hillcrest that is the direct result of lapses in maintenance and repair of our facilities. We must provide adequate funding to keep our schools in good repair.

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

As an engineer, I pride myself on common sense knowledge and analysis. I will research issues and ask hard questions to make sure that we are providing the best resources for our students. Additionally, as a parent of middle school children, I am deeply vested in the success of our school district.

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

Making people aware of our current facilities conditions. An assessment was recently done that indicates a significant investment on the horizon to rehabilitate and/or rebuild all of our school buildings.

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

I previously worked as the facilities director for the BOE side in Newtown, CT. I am familiar with school building maintenance and construction. Moreover, I have a keen eye for facilities budgets and what is necessary for our maintenance department to be successful.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Character is what you do when no one is watching."

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

My wife and I moved to Trumbull for its small-town appeal and great school district. As a parent, I am committed to seeing that all students in Trumbull have all of the opportunities afforded to them to succeed in the classroom. I am not afraid to cross party lines when good ideas are presented that represent the best interest for our students.