Meet the Candidate: Stefanie Carbone

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Berlin Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate. 

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 5, 2013.

This week, we are looking at the non-partisan Berlin Board of Education candidates.

Name: Stefanie Carbone
Age: 41
Party, Board Seeking: Democratic Party
Family information: 2 nieces in Berlin public schools with a third who will be in kindergarten during the 2015-2016 school year
Occupation, if applicable:  Assistant Principal of Lake Garda School, Burlington CT (Region 10 Public Schools)
Political Experience: None
Other Experience: In addition to my current position in elementary school administration, I was a public school teacher for 10 years and also worked at the State Education Resource Center (SERC) for 4 years where I provided professional development to teachers and other school staff.

Why did you run for office?
The BOE is the institution that brings the community and the schools together. As a member of this community who has over 15 years of experience in public education, ensuring the academic success of our students is my top priority.  Serving on this board would allow me to participate in strengthening our schools, to increase and improve opportunities for students and to positively contribute to the well being of our community.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus? 
My main focus will be to work with the other board members to ensure a high quality education for each and every student in Berlin. Improving and increasing student achievement is my highest priority and my words and actions will always reflect that.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Berlin today?
I believe that the biggest issue that most communities are faced with today is an economic one. How do we allocate the limited resources that we have in a way that best meets the needs of our community? Berlin Public Schools face the challenge of determining how to move ahead with changes such as the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and the new teacher/administrator evaluation system. 

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
In addition to my background in public education, I am a good listener, very task-oriented and I always have a positive attitude. Further, I pride myself on being able to see and understand both sides of an issue.

Make sure to like Berlin Patch on Facebook and follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!