Bethel Candidate Profile: Scott Clayton For Board of Education

BETHEL, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Bethel and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Bethel Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Republican Scott Clayton, 45, is running for re-election to a seat on the Board of Education, where he has served since 2010. He is the principal of Scofield Middle School in Stamford, and holds a BA in history from WCSU, and a master's degree in education from the University of Bridgeport.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Maintaining responsible budgets with the changing demographic of the town

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My professional background and education makes me that most experienced candidate. I have direct first hand experience in developing policies and budgets that support the needs of student learning.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

As a board of education member, it is my obligation to:

• Present fiscally responsible budgets to meet our goals and responsibilities
• Ensure a safe and secure learning environment
• Facilitate a partnership for all stakeholders to address student stress and mental health
• Increase student achievement through continued implementation of 21st century learning priorities with emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
• Attract, develop and retain exceptional educators critical to the delivery of an effective learning process and environment.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been re-elected twice to this position, which is evidence that voters trust me. I have an excellent attendance record as a board member and avail myself of professional development to be a better board member. I am also a highly successful school principal. The achievements of my school under my leadership have been recognized by the CT State Department of Education, The New England League of Middle School and the CT Association of Schools.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I served in the CT Army National Guard and was Honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Trust, but verify.