Stamford Candidate Profile: Rebecca Hamman For Board Of Education

STAMFORD, CT — Election day in Stamford is getting closer and there are plenty of candidates running for various positions in town. To help residents make an informed decision on Nov. 5, Stamford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the big day draws near.

Republican candidate Rebecca "Becky" Hamman, 58, is running for Board of Education. Other candidates for the position include Fritz G. Chery (D), Daniel Dauplaise (D), Jennienne Burke (D), Nicola Tarzia (R), Margaret Feeney (R) and Rolf Maurer (Green Party).

Hamman has lived in Stamford for three decades. She is a certified teacher and administrator, with 30 years of experience working in lower Fairfield County, as well as Westchester County.

She has obtained a bachelor's degree in teacher education (mathematics and science) from Montana State University, a master's degree in administration and supervision from Fordham University and an education doctorate from Columbia University.

Are you running for office in Stamford? Contact RJ Scofield at rj.scofield@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Stamford Patch.

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

Stamford Demographics and How to Support Financially

As a certified, professional suburban/urban school administrator and trained chaplain I care about the safety and social-emotional well-being of every student, family, teacher and administrator. I speak hope and have a message that everyone matters. The BOE needs to acknowledge the upcoming demographic challenges (free and reduced lunch population…20 percent-31 percent increase), work together as a team and plan strategically.

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

I'm extremely qualified as a professional educator. I understand and interpret data very well and speak for children/teens/parents consistently as a school administrator. I'm passionate about teaching and learning.

The BOE, like public education, is a grand experiment in action! Board of Educations nationwide are the largest professional "volunteer" organization in the United States. I commend all BOE volunteers for their time and diligent efforts.

Like any group, they are people with concerns about our kids and our future. I would expect lively discussions and debates, all played out in a professional, democratic manner. Because I'm a career educator (and truly understand HOW healthy classrooms, schools and districts work), I look forward to being a team member and bringing more transparency and common sense to the decision-making process.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Stamford has had a slow and uneven economic recovery. There is an interrelationship between quality of life, health and the economic competitiveness of Fairfield County in which all students are a part of because they are members of the families living here and will soon be working in the greater community.

Fairfield County has experienced significant population changes, including an increase in racial diversity, a growing immigrant population and an aging population. Tax dollars and federal monies will not pay for every need in the Stamford community. This is why Fairfield County partnerships/mentors and corporate grants will be essential if all costs are to be covered sufficiently.

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

• Certified teacher and administrator (30 years experience in lower Fairfield/Westchester counties and five school districts)—suburban and urban, Pre-K to 14 and adult education
• College/career coordinator, Norwalk Community College and Connecticut state technical high schools
• Yale New Haven-trained clinical pastoral education (ACPE) chaplain
• Up With People international performer (three continents/11 countries)
• 30-year resident of Stamford

The best advice ever shared with me was...

My parents and husband...to always be honest and authentic; most importantly, faith will move mountains!

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

We need to carefully look at the BOE budget. Education is almost 60 percent of the total city budget (this is huge when considering all the services Stamford provides...most important, safety for all residents and work environments). Building/facility issues, out-of-district tuition, non-resident students and procuring corporate grants are areas to hone in on.

Along with excellent teachers/administrators, PreK-12 programs, community partnerships and mentors, Stamford needs to use data to project next steps prudently and wisely.