Since starting my blog and Facebook page in March, people keep asking me why I want to run for the North Branford Board of Education. It's simple.
I am running for the North Branford Board of Education because our children need a voice, and a safe place where academic success is our priority.
My three children attend North Branford schools. My oldest daughter attends NBIS, my son attends TVES, and my youngest daughter will start kindergarten this fall at JHS. They participate on athletic teams, in musical ensembles, after school programs, and utilize the Family Resource Center. The support staff and teachers at each of our schools are amazing.
We need Board of Education members that understand the importance of our programs and our staff first hand.
This is my promise to you, your children, and our community.
I promise communication and transparency. I plan to utilize social media and community groups as an additional source of communication and conversation and host meet-and-greet events where parents and caregivers can come together and discuss issues and concerns in a casual setting.
I promise honesty and integrity. I have no personal agenda, no alliances to keep and I am not looking to make more friends. I already have friends. My goal is to do what is best for our children, our teachers and our community. I will answer all questions and address all concerns honestly and will treat each person with dignity and respect at all times.
I promise fiscal responsibility and accountability. Our children are our best investment in our future. But this investment needs to be carefully balanced with the cost of running our schools. Fiscal responsibility is probably the least glamorous, but one of the most important promises I can make. I have experience creating budgets, reviewing and managing project resources, executing timelines and developing strategic plans. My current role also relies on communication, collaboration and the ability to resolve unexpected issues. These are transferable skills that are necessary for an effective and succesful Board of Education member.
The support so far has been amazing. Strangers have come up to me to discuss my latest Facebook post, or current concerns. I have been asked why I didn't choose to fly under the radar and announce my intentions closer to nomination time (July). But the truth is, using this time to collaborate with parents, and engage the community in discussions has been invaluable. The Board is tasked with understanding the concerns of the community, the wants of the parents and the dreams of the students. Waiting until July to have these conversations might be safer for me politically, but it does our children and our town a disservice.
As part of my promise of communication and transparency, you can reach me with any questions or concerns at colby.orourke@yahoo.com or “Like”my Facebook page, Colby O’Rourke “Parents on Board”, and show your support.
