Milford Candidate Profile: Ray Arnold For School Board

MILFORD, CT — Milford's election season is heating up and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to get their name on the ballot for the city's municipal election. One of those contested races is the race for the Board of Education.

Milford Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Ray Arnold, 56, is running for reelection to the Board of Education as a Democrat.

Are you running for office in Milford? Contact Brian McCready at brian.mccready@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Milford Patch.

Family: *

AnnLena G. Arnold - spouse, Raymond A. Arnold - son - 26, Lena A. Arnold - daughter - 23 both graduates of Jonathan Law High School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? *

Yes - Lena my daughter, works in the Probate Office in Milford

Education: *

BS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research - Virginia Tech - Class of 86

Occupation: *

30 plus years of experience as Industrial Engineer / Systems Analyst

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Board of Education Member since 2017. Previously on Milford Housing Board, and Library Board

Campaign Website: *

www.milforddemocrats.com

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

Transforming our schools into 21st century institutes of learning. The superintendent is in the process of defining the method. I am committed to supporting her vision. To date, I have been very pleased with every initiative.

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

Organization experience. I am familiar with what it takes to build an organization. It involves identifying roles, and determining who can fill those roles most effectively. That is the primary function of the board. It came front and center during the selection of the current superintendent.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am committed to bringing education into the 21st century. I am in full support of the superintendent's current initiatives. She is placing a lot of emphasize on curriculum development and communication. In addition, she is developing the most important tool to reach the students, the teachers. She and the board, are committed to incorporating technology into education, and modernizing the physical space. All necessary and wise things to do, in order to mover the Milford school system forward.

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

I have a lot of experience developing budgets. I can decipher how budget choices relate to actions, both immediate and long term.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Stick to the truth.

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

I see education as the great equalizer. Everyone should have access to a quality education. The school system reflects on the town and demonstrates the town's values. I would like to think, I live in Milford, where education is important! I will do everything in my power to continue developing a safe, effective, and rewarding education experience for our students.