Vernon Election 2021 Profile: Gregory Buonome

VERNON, CT — Democrat Gregory Buonome, 46, is running for the Vernon Board of Education.

Occupation: Middle School Mathematics Teacher

Family:
Wife - Alison Buonome (39 years old), Substitute Teacher for Vernon Public Schools and Norwex Consultant

Son - Grayson Buonome (7 years old), student at Center Road School

Son - Carter Buonome (7 years old), student at Center Road School

Experience: First time running

Family in government: No

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

Meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of every student in our school community. This goal is achieved by ensuring our teachers, support staff, administrators and other school stakeholders have the appropriate training, and tools and support necessary to assist children in reaching their highest academic potential.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am a proud parent of twin boys attending Center Road School. I am veteran teacher having worked in very diverse school systems over the past 23 years. I am an experienced school leader having been an assistant principal at both the middle and high school level for 8 years. I have my Masters of Education Degree and my Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership. My professional and academic experiences and enable me to have my finger on the pulse on all relevant education issues and topics facing our schools.

Accomplishments:

As a school leader my accomplishments include incorporating school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) curriculum and initiatives, improving student attendance and being a leader of a school recognized as a "School of Distinction". I have a clear vision of today's educational leadership role, including the intricacies of special education, and curriculum development and instruction.

Other issues:

Ensuring a quality educational program is maintained for our students and being fiscally responsible utilizing my extensive experience balancing school budgets. I will always place the needs of your children at the forefront of every decision I make.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am the proud father of twin boys in the Vernon Public School system. I pride myself on being very involved in our community. I was a member of the Center Road School Student Governance Council. I am a Board Member on the Vernon Rockville Little League as the Director of the Farm League and Minors Division. I am in my fourth year coaching Soccer and Baseball in Vernon.