Sad Show For Supporters of Schools

The past few election cycles have seen a bevy of candidates for the three openings each year on the non-partisan Berlin Board of Education.

This year looked to be another competitive race for those three spots as the schools have been on a roll as of late. The air quality issues seem to have been resolved at McGee Middle School. A group of residents got together to form "Yes for BHS" to help propel the "upgrade as new" project" to a resounding victory at referendum. Then the schools and BOE approved a new program of studies and upped the requirements for high school graduation.

Even with all the momentum flowing for the school system, just two candidates will be on the ballot for the Board of Education despite having three spots open.

Town Clerk Kate Wall was just finishing up the ballot on Tuesday but said that this kind of circumstance is very unique.

"It will still say vote for any three on the ballot even though there are only two candidates," Wall said. "We're not 100 percent sure how it will look but we'll have a better idea by say Friday of this week."

According to Wall, after the two candidates on the ballot are voted into office, the BOE will solicit another volunteer or volunteers to serve on the board. If more than one resident volunteers to serve on the Board, the Berlin BOE will interview the candidates and appoint one of them to a one-year term. There will then be four openings next year as this appointment will be a one-year appointment.

Superintendent of Schools David B. Erwin says the situation s less than desirable.

"It would obviously be nice to have a full slate of candidates for the Board of Education," Erwin said. "These are some exciting times for the Berlin school district and it would be nice to have nine people on the Board.

"I really like the Board of Education. I think all of them are in it for the right reasons and that is the students. They are trying to help us increase student achievement and it is a great Board.

Erwin actually served on his school board in his hometown but had to give it up when the meetings conflicted with the many meetings he needed to attend as Superintendent in Berlin. He said seeing things from both sides have helped expand his unique perspective.

Mike Baczewski and Irene Matulis' terms expired, as did Anthony Recck, who was on leave. Matulis will run again but Baczewski is graduating from UConn next May and could not give his full commitment to the BOE. Tim Oakes is the other candidate who will be on the BOE for the first time.

Erwin said the Berlin Board of Education is an award-winning Board, having been honored by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) for several years in a row.

He said if anyone is interested in serving on the Board of Education, there are a number of ways to understand the job.

"I think they should try to get as much information as possible," Erwin said. "I would urge them to call me or stop by to see me. If they know anybody on the Board, they can contact them and talk to them about it. We have many people who have served on the Board for a long time so they know what to expect. They could even talk to one of the principals in town.

"One of the things that may be detracted people from running for office is what they are seeing on the federal level. The Berlin Board of Education is nothing like what you are seeing on CNN, I can assure you of that. We have members who are not afraid to ask questions and share opinions but they do vote in an enlightened way. It is a commitment of time but they only meet twice a month. It's a good time to jump into it with all the exciting things going on."