Stamford Election: Dr. Becky Hamman For Board Of Education

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 2 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Stamford.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Republican Dr. Becky Hamman, 59, is running for Stamford Board of Education in Stamford.

Occupation: Ct Certified Educator

Family:
Best friend & Husband--Dale Hamman.

35 yr. resident of Stamford

Experience: Stamford BOE Member

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

From a Board of Education perspective in Stamford:

Strive for academic excellence and allow parent/stakeholder voice…they ARE our best advocates!

Repeal the federal mandate that allowed special interest group dogma to be implemented throughout all K-12 learning programs! Bring back advanced programs-honors & AP, standardized testing (mid-terms/finals) and traditional grading. Mediocrity is the worst enemy of prosperity!

Once the curriculum audit is complete, department/grade level teams need training and support to put teaching and learning first, rather than central office-dictated programs.

Toquam, Cloonan, Roxbury, Hart & WHHS renovations need to be on the forefront—healthy, mold-free, and up-to-date schools are essential.

Schools need to be reconfigured:

A) Create additional alternative schools (gr. 6-8 & 9-12)—ALL students have the right to be safe while learning (SHS & WHS are becoming far too large and we need zero tolerance dealing with violent student behaviors—bomb threats, fight clubs, etc.).

B) Continue to create more inter-district magnet schools in Lower Fairfield County (e.g. classical, special education, etc.) to address the learning needs and gifts of EVERY child/teen.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

• Tried and true educator...understand all aspects
• CIA expert (Curriculum and Instruction & Assessment)
• Not a politician or use jargon

Accomplishments:

• 27 years CT/NY Educator (12 yrs. teacher; 15 yrs. administrator)
• K-12 Experience (11 yrs. elementary/16 secondary)
• Doctorate in Organizational Leadership

Other issues:

The greatest strength of SPS is student/family diversity. Our district’s greatest strength SHOULD BE high quality education, not federal-level overreach into our schools—rigorous curriculums nationwide have been dumbed-down and our children are being indoctrinated by special interest group dogma and supported by teacher unions.

Talking from experience as a 27-year Connecticut, certified educator, we need to re-focus on cradle-to-career, 21st Century Standards—3R key subjects & 4C’s:

Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity.

Also, from a macro-perspective, we need to consider HOW we are preparing our students for the career world…college at $27, 000-55, 000-a-year, is not the best option for all students (nationally, only 51% of college attendees graduate and 49% drop out). We need to be creative and address the needs/gifts of each and every student through a variety of learning programs.

In order to write policies that are built on these standards, our Board of Education needs to be called out, starting with having face-to-face meetings! Our superintendent, with 8-years of service in the district, can be reactionary when dealing with issues. The School Climate Survey also reveals important concerns.

I’m positive that listening, civility and bi-partisan collaboration are key to the superintendent’s and BOE’s success—I have a proven track record. As Stamford taxpayers, we need to get involved with like-minded coalition groups, become aware of what the policies are, share our input, and make sure the budget aligns with learning outcomes, not political narratives. It will benefit all of us, most importantly, and our children…they are OUR future!

What else would you like voters to know about you?

My vision is to create the best education for ALL students! I’m tried-and-true as a leader and listener. My motivation is not political. I’m here to be a servant leader and to keep all BOE members and superintendent honest and transparent and accountable.

Thank you for your vote on November 2nd!