Blog

Our schools are more than places of learning. They are all individual communities that comprise the greater NPS Family.

Being in charge of a local school district is one of the most challenging and thankless jobs in any community.

Modern, functional schools with all the benefits of new technology are wonderful, but I have always argued that the educators and support staff inside our schools matter far more than the condition of the buildings themselves.

I am old enough to remember when a missed call was unknown, meetings were attended only in person and paper fantasy football results were hand delivered to my door by the commissioner.

Thank You!

Naugatuck Election Results (Updated 11/8/2023)

Where to Vote in Naugatuck

Naugatuck Patch Responses

Waterbury Republican-American/ Citizens News Responses

Naugatuck Teachers League Responses

Connecticut Partnership for Children Responses

Act quickly to get your absentee ballot.

Educators are expected to fulfill many responsibilities these days. Imparting knowledge and inspiring a lifelong love of learning are foundational, but words like coach, mentor, role model and confidant come to mind when thinking of how many of our students view their teachers.

An Education Week article referenced a post-pandemic survey that close to 85% of teachers believe morale is lower than before Covid became a common word in our vocabulary. The coronavirus alone probably did not cause this. One can argue that society had been changing for year in terms of parenting, lifestyle and a fractured and polarizing public debate on a variety of issues. The long-lasting impact of the pandemic is yet to be seen, but many agree that school shutdowns and isolation from society had a negative impact on students, parents and educators alike.

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.

Education is expensive. By far it is the largest part of every municipal budget in the state. Every dollar is a precious commodity paid from the pockets of hard working taxpayers who fund our district. It is critical that all stakeholders have faith that all is being done to maximize resources.

Tomorrow, Naugatuck Pop Warner will begin its 16th season playing youth football, supported by its cheerleading program. Founded in 2008 by my friend and fellow coach, the late Paul McGrath, NPW has enriched the lives of numerous student-athletes over the years. As the new president, I would like to thank the amazing board members, coaches, parents and families that have worked so hard to get us in a position to start the season.

A recent disagreement between the previous board of Naugatuck Pop Warner (“NPW”) and officials from Southern Connecticut Pop Warner (“SCPW”) has resulted in an unfortunate series of events that jeopardizes the fall football and cheer season. Others are free to point blame and/or draw conclusions as they deem appropriate, but I have been asked to serve as interim president of a new NPW board.

After much reflection and prayer, I have respectfully submitted my name before my local town committee to run for a seat on the Naugatuck Board of Education this coming November. I am humbled by and grateful for the overwhelming support I have already received.