Joseph Andreana, Jr. (R)
Stamford Board of Education
Republican
Sr. Mgr of Program Management in a Stamford-based company
The top two issues I will prioritize are (1) Educational Excellence for all SPS students and (2) the safety of our children and our teachers.
First, we need to evaluate our curriculum and look to build policies that will develop our Stamford students and our future. Our educational standards are too low—every student is capable of achievement and we disservice them by lowering standards just to keep moving students through the system. We need to focus on bringing our students’ education excellence by building programs to raise the current reading, writing, and math levels from that of 4% points below the CT average to standards that raise the average.
Second, the safety of our loved ones is of utmost importance, not only physically but mentally. I want to look at the policies and protocols in which our schools conduct safety measures for all levels of school. Our children need to feel safe and secure in our schools so they can worry about school work and building relationships; rather than worrying if they are going to get bullied or targeting against. I want to improve our air quality in schools, from extreme heat to the toxins, that our children and teachers have to battle which hurts learning and affects attention. It is a health risk when our children, staff are about to pass out because of the extreme heat. We need to fix what the studies have told us and make it safe for everyone within Stamford Public Schools.
First, we need to evaluate our curriculum and look to build policies that will develop our Stamford students and our future. Our educational standards are too low—every student is capable of achievement and we disservice them by lowering standards just to keep moving students through the system. We need to focus on bringing our students’ education excellence by building programs to raise the current reading, writing, and math levels from that of 4% points below the CT average to standards that raise the average.
Second, the safety of our loved ones is of utmost importance, not only physically but mentally. I want to look at the policies and protocols in which our schools conduct safety measures for all levels of school. Our children need to feel safe and secure in our schools so they can worry about school work and building relationships; rather than worrying if they are going to get bullied or targeting against. I want to improve our air quality in schools, from extreme heat to the toxins, that our children and teachers have to battle which hurts learning and affects attention. It is a health risk when our children, staff are about to pass out because of the extreme heat. We need to fix what the studies have told us and make it safe for everyone within Stamford Public Schools.
The first thing I would do is look at implementing the SMART method in achieving any goal or performance; from our leadership to our individual schools. We need to have Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals that benefit all those in the Stamford public school system. I will visit schools and meet with staff during the school year to partner with leadership to ensure our children have the right capabilities and tools to succeed.
Secondly, I would like to help build strong PTOs in all of the SPS schools. Parental involvement is paramount to having families and the staff work together to in ensuring that each schools is providing the quality of education that our Stamford families want for our children.
Additionally, we need to hold children accountable when they do not do what is expected or misbehave as I do with my three children. This will help provide a level of structure to help provide life skills down the road and in our schools.
Secondly, I would like to help build strong PTOs in all of the SPS schools. Parental involvement is paramount to having families and the staff work together to in ensuring that each schools is providing the quality of education that our Stamford families want for our children.
Additionally, we need to hold children accountable when they do not do what is expected or misbehave as I do with my three children. This will help provide a level of structure to help provide life skills down the road and in our schools.
There are many things that need to be improved: quality of air (e.g., extreme heat and bitter cold inside the schools, and air quality as a whole) that our students, teachers, and staff breathe every day, dilapidated bathrooms that are not functioning, and our fields/grounds.
I will look to prioritize the items listed above. The bathrooms are often dilapidated and dysfunctional and unsanitary for our students, teachers, and staff. The temperature within the schools is a hindrance to our kids’ learning and ability to concentrate, as well as our teachers’ ability to keep students engaged; not to mention the health issues with excess heat in the warmer months. The fields/grounds are the first thing you see when you look at a school and give our communities a sense of pride. The fields are used not only for the school but for different athletic leagues throughout Stamford and we should have quality and maintained fields.
I will look to prioritize the items listed above. The bathrooms are often dilapidated and dysfunctional and unsanitary for our students, teachers, and staff. The temperature within the schools is a hindrance to our kids’ learning and ability to concentrate, as well as our teachers’ ability to keep students engaged; not to mention the health issues with excess heat in the warmer months. The fields/grounds are the first thing you see when you look at a school and give our communities a sense of pride. The fields are used not only for the school but for different athletic leagues throughout Stamford and we should have quality and maintained fields.
As a Board of Education member, I need to support all policies that are for the benefit of everyone the Stamford Public Schools. I would look to build upon the policies to provide a quality education to all of our students.
Every student deserves a respectful learning environment in which their cultural, racial and ethnic diversity is valued and contributes to successful academic, social and emotional outcomes. As a believer of the golden rule, this is how I raise my children and how I live: by respecting and treating others as I would want to be treated. We must allow our students to have the same opportunity to learn while providing those who may have special needs the means to excel and develop to be productive contributing members of society; whether that is to go to college or obtain skills of a trade.
Every student deserves a respectful learning environment in which their cultural, racial and ethnic diversity is valued and contributes to successful academic, social and emotional outcomes. As a believer of the golden rule, this is how I raise my children and how I live: by respecting and treating others as I would want to be treated. We must allow our students to have the same opportunity to learn while providing those who may have special needs the means to excel and develop to be productive contributing members of society; whether that is to go to college or obtain skills of a trade.