Politics & Government

Election 2013: Vernon Board of Education Candidates

Election Day is Tuesday.

Here is a look at the 2013 school board candidates:

Board of Education
4-year term

Slot 10A
Mark Kalina
Republican
33 Snipsic St.
Spouse:  Beth  
Children: Joshua
Employment:  Manager, Tom’s Coin World
Education:  Rockville High School Graduate
Current Chairman, Vernon Wetlands Commission.

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Slot 10B
Kyle Percy
Democrat
67 Overbrook Dr.
Occupation: General manager / toolmaker.
Education: RHS Class of 1995, Journeyman tool and dye maker. 
Current treasurer, Board of Education. Board member since 2007. 

"I think the biggest issue in town is our education system.  Changes are being made but more is needed and I will work hard as a Board of Education member to try to get our system back on track."

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Slot 11A
Steve Linton
Republican
86 George Dr.
Spouse:  Kristen,  Children:  Sara, Emily
Employment:  Town of South Windsor, Department of Parks and Recreation, Parks Maintainer
Former President, Skinner Road PTO

"The biggest issue for the coming term is education - improving communication between Board of Education and the mayor's office as well as working on ways to improve student test scores while keeping a balanced budget."

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Slot 11B
Michele Arn
Democrat
67 Overbrook Dr.
Occupation: Medical practice manager. 
Served 10 years on the school board and past chairwoman. Currently a two-year incumbent. 

"The most important issue the Town must face is to establish budget priorities and funding.  The only way to effectively address that issue is to create a true bipartisan atmosphere and that starts with the individuals involved in the process.  To that end, I will be open with information and ideas for solutions and encourage other elected officials, Town employees and  community members to do the same."

Board of Education
2-year term

Slot 12A
Anne Fischer
Republican
Spouse: Bud Children: Julie, Tripp, Brooks, Cort, Quint.
Employment: Day Care provider.
Education: Wheaton College BA chemistry.
Former Chairperson, Vernon Board of Education.
Current Member Board of Education since 2003.

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Slot 12B
Paul Stansel
Democrat
BS in information technology.
Engineering Adviser - Aetna.
Vernon school board member 2009-2011.
Past member, Northeast School PTO.
1992 RHS graduate.
Founder of Vernon Votes

"More and more parents are choosing to send their children to schools outside of Vernon. We need to focus on WHY they are doing that. What programs can we offer as a public school system to help us retain those kids? It is a difficult challenge because the Magnet schools don't have to deal with town budgets and can specialize where the public school system has to service every student. But there should be a way for us to create more focused "schools within a school" much like the Vo Ag program has been for decades now."

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Slot 13A
David Kemp
Republican
87 Hatch Hill Rd. 
Spouse: Judith.
Employment: Retired, current Red Cross volunteer.
Education: University of Vermont.
Current member Board of Education since 1987.

"Improvement of the school system can be accomplished by adequately funding its budget. I will protect all-day kindergarten, ensure new safety and security measures are implemented, support increased graduation requirements and demand discipline be enforced."


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