Southbury Resident Announces Campaign For Region 15 BOE Seat

From the Town of Southbury:

October 8 2019

SOUTHBURY, CT—Southbury resident Chris Rempfer announced he is seeking election to the Region 15 Board of Education on the Democratic ticket in the municipal election to be held on November 5.

“Chris received enthusiastic endorsement from the Democratic caucus this summer and we are very excited to offer a candidate to Region 15 who, as an educator in our state’s public education system for the past 9 years, has not only valuable experience, but ‘skin in the game,’” said Democratic Town Committee Chair Ron Pugliese.

Professor Rempfer is an Assistant Professor of English at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury where about 130 Pomperaug High School graduates are currently enrolled as both full-time and part-time students. Professor Rempfer is also the Coordinator of NVCC’s Liberal Arts & Sciences Degree Program, one of the college’s largest; he co-chairs the college’s Center for Teaching—the professional development organization for all teaching faculty; and he is Vice President of the Faculty Senate. He also advises two student clubs.

“As a community college professor who is deeply engaged both inside and outside the classroom,” Mr. Rempfer said, “I am sensitive to what it takes to pragmatically navigate Connecticut’s public education system. Academic excellence and student success are always the priority, but there are finite resources available. So, it is my job as a coordinator and committee leader, as a faculty member, and as a student advisor, to make maximum use of resources to serve the needs and aspirations of our students, while maintaining the academic rigor that makes them competitive candidates for our state universities, UCONN, and beyond.”

“One thing I would really like to bring to Region 15 is a stronger connection to NVCC. The college serves 22 towns from Waterbury to Danbury and our school district is right in the middle of that service area. For instance,” said Chris, “NVCC has two different scholarship programs designed for high school juniors and seniors who want to get a jump start on their college credits. There are spots for five Region 15 students per semester between the two programs—and the college covers the costs.”

Professor Rempfer wants to make sure that Region 15 students take full advantage of these unique opportunities.

“I have known Chris as a neighbor, friend and concerned citizen,” said former Southbury First Selectman Ed Edelson. “His background and career in education would be a critical asset to the community as a representative on the Board of Education. His work with high school graduates enrolling at Naugatuck Valley Community College, a very important partner in the economic development of this region, gives him the important insight of what is working and where improvements need to be made. Having a professional educator on the Board of Education would represent an important addition,” added Edelson.

A resident of Heritage Village, Chris is keenly aware of the support the Village has given to the passage of Region 15’s school budget. He takes their support seriously and would like to be a voice on the Board of Education for the Village. And in like manner, he will clearly articulate the work and aspirations of the Board to the Village.

Since declaring his candidacy, Mr. Rempfer has attended all Board of Education meetings. “I am impressed with the work the Board of Education is doing for our kids. They made a strong choice when they hired Superintendent Josh Smith, who, like the Board, serves Region 15 with intelligence, engagement, and accountability,” says Rempfer. “I’d like to add my experience to that team.”

“Come election day,” he says, “There are three spots open on the Region 15 Board of Education. I would be honored to fill and serve in one of them.”

Learn more about Chris at www.facebook.com/rempferforboe

This press release was produced by the Town of Southbury . The views expressed here are the author’s own.