Stamford Education Association Endorses Bobby Valentine

STAMFORD, CT — On Wednesday, the Bobby Valentine campaign for Mayor of Stamford announced an endorsement from the Stamford Education Association, the first time the group has endorsed a mayoral candidate.

The SEA represents more than 1,400 teachers in the Stamford Public School system.

"I am thrilled that our teachers, represented by the SEA, voted to endorse me in this year’s mayoral election. As mayor, I will be a strong and passionate voice as a non-voting member of Stamford’s Board of Education, on behalf of our teachers, parents and students," Valentine said in a news release. "We are at a critical moment, challenged by COVID, emerging technologies, and social pressures. Our teachers demand and deserve support from our mayor, and I look forward to an ongoing and open dialogue with them."

Valentine grew up in Stamford and is a graduate of the Stamford Public School system. He is a former Major League Baseball player and manager, and the former athletic director at Sacred Heard University. Valentine also served as Public Safety Director for Stamford in 2011.

During his tenure as AD at Sacred Heart, Valentine raised capital and steered development of new educational buildings, and worked closely with SLAM, the architects that have been retained to work on Stamford's school redevelopment plan.

In a recent mayoral debate, Valentine said he wants to be a "champion" for Stamford schools. One of his top priorities if elected would be to repair the aging school buildings around the city.

"I don't care where the money is going to come from, we're going to get [the schools] repaired, rebuilt and safe so that the environment is one that everyone can be proud of. I want to be the champion for the schools and I want to change that perception of our schools, because we have great teachers and we have great students," Valentine said.

He also said he wants to address the mold problem at school buildings.

On achievement, Valentine said it's critical that students are able to read before graduating third grade. He also wants to see a more diverse teaching population.