Trumbull Election: Chris Bandecchi For Board Of Education

TRUMBULL, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Trumbull will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Occupation: Community Development Grants Director, City Of Waterbury

Family: Married to Trish; daughter, Harper (Jane Ryan); son, Paxton

Experience: Former Board Member and Connecticut Innovations; Justice of the Peace

Family in government: No

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

We need to ensure that there is maximum transparency and engagement from the Board, especially with regard to the BOE budget and curriculum, perhaps adding an advisory subcommittee to the process. It is important that the Board is actively engaging with parents, the community, and key stakeholders. I would also like to see more improvements to our aging schools to ensure that our children have a safe, healthy, and comfortable learning environment throughout the school year. I am hopeful that the Board will be able to look into ways to provide upgrades for safety, and as well as improvements such as HVAC upgrades.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My background in government and public administration provides me with a unique experience that will allow me to effectively help the Board engage with our residents and parents and provide a transparent and fiscally responsible budget that gives our teachers, students, and administrators the tools and resources that they need for success. As a father with a child in elementary school, and I will also be able to provide a different and needed voice on the Board.

Accomplishments:

I have worked in municipal government for nearly a decade, successfully handling tasks such a constituent services and outreach, budgeting, and grants. My experience, knowledge, and background, including an MS in political science/public policy and administration, have served me well, and I believe that my skill set will help ensure that I can be an effective Board member.

Other issues:

In addition to ensuring a fiscally responsible budget, oversight and transparency on curriculum, and providing much needed facility improvements, and I believe that we need to ensure that class sizes remain small and conducive to learning.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am a lifelong resident of CT, and my wife and I moved to Trumbull in 2017 because we felt that Trumbull was the best community to live and raise our children. We have two kids, one of whom started kindergarten at Jane Ryan this year. As an educator (SCSU, Adjunct Professor) and a father, and I believe that our children deserve the best education. We need to preserve our school system and continue to provide the best schools and education available - our children are our future and there is no better investment than in their education.