Bernstein, Peldunas: 'Time to Bring Collaboration, Focus Back to BOE'

Written by Peter Bernstein and Brian Peldunas.

Whether you are a parent of children in our schools or a taxpayer, you have to wonder whether the money we spend on our schools results in the excellence we have come to expect. As both parents and taxpayers, we feel that question is of the utmost importance and we feel strongly enough that that we are running to serve on the Board of Education. We will ensure that we are investing your resources wisely and will look at the best ways to achieve academic excellence.

Much energy and time has been spent on a wide variety of issues over the last few months, but when it comes down to it, our Board of Education needs to return its focus to achievement. Academic achievement must, and should always be, the number one priority for the Board and we plan to make sure that is the case. 

It now appears that the Board of Education will not develop a response to the state regarding racial balance until after the election. We are strong supporters of neighborhood schools and oppose forced busing. We will work with the other Board members to craft a plan for Greenwich that puts achievement for all students first. The plan will be developed with parent input, implemented over time to minimize disruption and be regularly reviewed and evaluated. Once we have a plan, we will work with the state to get them to accept Greenwich’s plan.

Our district’s ability to raise achievement in a consistent manner across all of our schools has been hampered by the constant turnover in Superintendents. We are committed to working together with other Board members to set clear priorities for the Superintendent. We will support the Superintendent in translating those priorities into actions, and will hold the Superintendent accountable for the results of those actions.

When asked what differentiates us from the incumbent running for re-election on the GOP line, we reply that our endorsement from the Greenwich Republican party was based on our professional backgrounds of working in environments which demand cooperation to reach goals. We will work with other Board members to refocus the Board agenda and return the discussion to issues that matter most. We will challenge the administration effectively and appropriately where necessary, and collaboratively work towards effective solutions.

This election provides an opportunity for change - a change many feel is not only necessary but overdue. From our professional and volunteer experiences, we know that boards are most productive when the members have the right mix of skills and knowledge. We feel that we add different - but complimentary - skills to make the Board function more effectively.

We are ready to bring collaboration and focus back to the Board, while advancing achievement for all of our students.

We ask that you vote for us on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.

Peter Bernstein and Brian Peldunas are the only endorsed Republican Candidates for the Board of Education.

(Editor’s note: More letters to the editor regarding Greenwich elections may be found in our elections and government categories.