A question and answer with Norwich Board of Education candidate Christine Distasio

Christine Distasio (R) is running for Norwich Board of Education. For Norwich, The Bulletin sent questionnaires to all candidates in the City Council and Board of Education elections. The answers here have been edited for conciseness and clarity.

Why are you running for the Board of Education? 

If I win, I will be serving my third term. I use the term serve because that’s exactly what the role of a BOE member entails. I am a lifelong resident of the city, and I have taken my time on the BOE very seriously. I want to ensure each child in the district receives a quality education that challenges them, in a happy and safe environment.

There were several things I wanted to accomplish this last term, but was unable to due to Republicans being the minority party.  I hope to achieve these goals if re-elected.

What makes you stand out from other candidates? 

I am a lifelong resident of Norwich. My husband and I have owned our homes for 36 years. I am truly committed to this community.

All of our Republican BOE candidates have something to offer the community. I was an active volunteer in the schools while my two daughters attended. I also worked for nearly 20 years as an education assistant for Norwich Technical High School. With that job I gained knowledge on school administration and business management. My favorite part was interacting with the students every day.

What do you think is the most important issue in the district and why? 

It’s difficult to pick one. The obvious one is the investigation into the superintendent and the hostile environment she allegedly created, and its impact on the stability of NPS leadership. I think we’ve restored that stability with appointing Acting Superintendent Susan Lessard, and her appointment of Acting Assistant Superintendent Jamie Bender.

Another important issue is improving our math, science and reading scores, while giving a quality education to both the most advanced students and the students struggling the most.

How would you address the issue?

I hope we have the right people in place that know what needs to be done. If I’m re-elected, I’ll ask to be on the Curriculum Committee to ensure this is done.

Absenteeism is another hurdle to overcome. Education starts at home, and parents must parent. Students won’t learn if parents aren’t present. I hope to have more parental support groups available, and I encourage different human service organizations to improve their offerings in this area.

What change would you like to see in Norwich Public Schools during your term, should you win? 

I want to restore a happy, melting pot environment, focusing on our similarities rather than our differences. There should be an easier flow of information between school leaders, administration and BOE, and a curriculum focusing on reading, writing, arithmetic, and the history of the peoples that make up our community.

I also want Tik Tok removed from the classroom. If kids see it used in class, they think it’s ok to use it outside of class. Look at what is happening with the student uprisings exhibiting hatred for Jews. Tik Tok is where many of these groups receive their information.

In light of the superintendent's leave, allegedly caused by a hostile environment, how should the school board respond?

There is only so much I can say, as I’m presently on the board. Heather Fowler, James Paulsen, and I responded to the allegations. We requested the special meeting where Dr. Stringfellow was placed on leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. Good people that our teachers trust have been put in place to guide NPS and restore stability.

Anything else you would like to add? 

Last year, I proposed creating an exit committee for the staff that was leaving, but I was stonewalled. If the committee was formed, this whole situation could’ve been avoided, depending on what we are told. The COVID shutdowns going far too long and the breakdown of the family can be blamed for the crisis in our schools nationwide.

We need mental health services for our students, and it should be the burden of the state, not the schools. We also need more support service to encourage people to “mother” and “father.” People have to step up and be role models.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: A Q&A with Norwich Board of Education candidate Christine Distasio