East Haven Candidate Profile: John (Jack) Stacey for Board of Ed

EAST HAVEN, CT — East Haven’s election season is heating up.

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

John (Jack) Stacey, 70, is a Democrat running for election to the Board of Education.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No

Education:

EHHS-1967, Quinnipiac College-BA,1975, SCSU-Teaching Certificate. 1999, The Graduate Institute-MA, 2010

Occupation:

Retired-Teacher, New Haven, 20 years 1999-2019/UPS, 18 years 1978-1996

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Civil Service Board

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

With regards to BOE I would have to say that most are concerned with test scores, but I think that chronic absenteeism is also a problem. I will work with with the BOE and the staff at all our schools to come up with a plan to address both problems.

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

I would think that my 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher in the New Haven Public School system gives an eye into what makes a successful teacher and that translates into better educating our students in preparation for life after high school.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

As stated, chronic absenteeism is a problem, you can't learn if you're not in school. Another issue is that our teachers have a fair and equitable contract.

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

Twenty years as a classroom teacher. Also I have been involved in civic matters in town for most of my adult life, whether it be through recreation programs or as president of the Yellowjacket Club, or chairman of the Veteran's Council, I have always handled my responsibilities with honor and dignity.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Be honest with yourself and take responsibility for your actions.

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

I have been a resident of East Haven since 1957, attended public schools and graduated from EHHS in 1967. In 1968 I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in The Republic of South Vietnam from March 1969 thru March 1970 as Field Radio Operator serving as a Forward Observer for Artillery. Upon discharge I enrolled in Quinnipiac College, receiving my degree in 1975. I went to work for United Parcel Service and left only after receiving an on the job injury, after 18 years of employment. I then returned to school and received my Teachers Certification and worked in New Haven as a Social Studies teacher, grades 7-12, until retiring in June of 2019.

Are you running for office in East Haven? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to East Haven Patch.