Incumbents Will Run For BOE

Gary Brochu, the longest serving member of the Berlin Board of Education, has announced that he will be seeking re-election this November. First elected in 1997, Brochu currently serves as the Board of Education President.

Other incumbents Kristin Campanelli and Cynthia Kobus have also said they are going to run. Jeff Cugno, who came onto the Board this year as a replacement, did not respond to requests for his decision.

In explaining his decision to run for re-election, Brochu replied that, “working on behalf of students and the community remains incredibly rewarding, despite the considerable effort and time involved. Other than my job as father and husband, it’s the most important thing that I do.”

“Three years ago our challenge was to address the condition of the High School facilities. After lots of hard work, the voters of Berlin came forward and supported the renovation of the High School.” Brochu added, “even though the High School project is in the hands of the Public Building Commission, I want to stay involved and do what I can to ensure that the final product is a school building that meets the needs of Berlin students and residents.”

In discussing the Board’s achievements during his tenure, Brochu pointed to the Board of Education receiving the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) “Board of Distinction Award” for the past seven years. “The Berlin Board of Education has consistently been recognized, statewide, as a high-performing school board and a model of professional governance,” said Brochu. On a personal level, Brochu has given numerous presentations at state and national conferences on the work of boards of education and its impact on student achievement.

“Berlin residents are rightly very proud of the quality of our schools. The members of the Board of Education, while sharing this pride, continue to be focused on improving student achievement and expanding educational opportunities for all of our students,” said Brochu.

Looking forward to the campaign, Brochu stated that he looked forward to talking with Berlin residents about Berlin schools, and hoped that there would be a forum to discuss and debate issues with the other candidates. Residents are encouraged contact him with questions or concerns via phone or e-mail. Brochu added, “or they can do what they always do, which is stop and talk with me at the grocery store and football games.”