Various local media have asked candidates to answer specific questions which will assist voters in making informed decisions in the November 7th municipal elections. The following are my written responses to questions asked by the Waterbury Republican-American / Citizens News.

Age:   52, lifelong resident

Family:

Wife Eileen Sorcinelli Mezzo, 34 year educator in Naugatuck Public Schools and current administrator in our District for the past 20 years;

Daughter Ally: 2016 graduate of Naugatuck High School; 2020 graduate of and volleyball player at Emmanuel College; and current fourth generation teacher at Platt High School (Meriden);

Son Jay: 2020 graduate of Naugatuck High School and current senior and football player at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Class of 2024;

Son Jack: 7^th grader at City Hill Middle School and future member of Naugatuck High School Class of 2029.

Party:  Democrat

Education:     

J.D. – University of Connecticut School of Law; Class of 1997

B.A. – University of Connecticut (Double Major: Political Science & History), Class of 1994

Naugatuck High School; Class of 1989

Political Experience:              Mayor (and Board of Education Member), 2009 – 2015

                                                   Burgess, 1999 – 2003 (Deputy Mayor, 2001 – 2003)

Occupation:    Commercial Real Estate Lender, Ion Bank

Why are you running for Board of Education?

I have a lifelong connection to and love for Naugatuck Public Schools. Our district has been a constant presence in my life in numerous roles: as a student, parent, spouse of a 34-year educator, member of the Board of Education for 6 and a half years, volunteer, and even an employee. I welcome the opportunity to return to public office and work together for positive change.

 What can the school district do to improve student achievement?

We all like to keep score. Whatever pursuit we choose in life professionally or personally, it is human nature to want to see tangible results and measure oneself against others. An educational journey, however, is not as easy to measure. After all, the ultimate goal is to produce good human beings who can lead fruitful lives, adapt to changing circumstances and achieve their dreams. This path comes in many varieties and is articulated perfectly in our District’s Vision of the Graduate.

Many of our students excel in our district, but our standardized test results are often distorted by cultural and socio-economic challenges that do not exist in communities that score better than us. Numerous studies have been done about the best ways to address this, but it is not easy. Positive measures to reduce the achievement gap in Naugatuck include early intervention, smaller class sizes, individualized and supplemental instruction, access to mental health resources and connecting families to community resources that will ease economic and health care challenges.

As a community, we need to understand that we can’t measure the Vision of the Graduate solely through standardized test scores. The life path may look very different from student to student, particularly those from different backgrounds; but long-term success and happiness can take many forms.

What issue do you think does not get enough attention in the school district? How would you address it? 

School climate is important. Too often our educators and support staff feel unsupported. As the elected, educational leaders of our district, the Board of Education needs to do a better job collectively of fostering an environment of collaboration, personal and professional development and mutual respect amongst educators, students and families rather than an atmosphere that is driven by fear. I will prioritize creating a district-wide culture that ensures all stakeholders have the necessary tools and support to be their best self.

What is your message to voters?

Aside from my Faith and my family, nothing is more important to me than the only hometown I have ever known. I have had to make many difficult and complex decisions during my time as mayor and in local government, and am sure that some have not been the right ones.

That being said, I have always done so with good intentions and communicated openly with everyone even if we disagreed. I welcome the opportunity to return to public life and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to make our district an amazing and inspiring place for students, families and educators. Please feel free to call/text my cell (203-217-0876), email me at bob@bobmezzo.com or learn my about my campaign and beliefs at www.bobmezzo.com.