To the Editor:
Ever since my candidacy for the Amity Board of Education was announced I have been fielding inquires as to why seek that office rather than running for reelection to the Orange Board of Selectmen. I therefore thought it appropriate to make my reasons known.
For me working with and supporting young people has been a life’s journey. I taught science at the middle and high school levels in West Haven for 34 years. I served as a teacher, mentor and head facilitator in the Governor’s Partnership Intervention Program. I coached swimming for 40 years, including 27 at Amity High and was the founder and head coach of the Orange Program (Otters) when the pool was opened in 1975. I coached there for 18 years. I was an original member of the CIAC Committee on Sportsmanship and served as a past chair of the Amity Coaches Association. I was the first chair of Connecticut Swimming, which sponsors amateur swimming in the state.
I served 10 years as a member of the Legislative Education Committee while serving as your elected state representative. I was appointed by the governor to the Grade 11 Evaluation Task Force which resulted in a recommendation for the SAT to replace and reduce required testing. I co-chair the State Water Safety Task Force as an appointed member of the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, and Seniors, and I serve on the Orange Foundation.
With my background, I am hopeful that I can bring a level of knowledge and experience to the Amity Board of Education which would help me make a positive impact. While I would not be working directly with kids, I would be working with childhood related issues. I am honored to have served as a member of the Orange Board of Selectmen and would greatly appreciate continued support of my efforts to help improve education in our community as an Amity BOE member. Thank you.
Paul Davis
Orange