A question and answer with Norwich Board of Education candidate Yamir Flores
Yamir Flores (R) is one of the candidates for the 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?I’m running for the Board of Education as a Latino candidate to ensure all Norwich children, regardless of their background, receive a top-notch education. My primary goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, inspiring them to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens. To achieve this, I’ll support dedicated educators and work for cooperation within the Board of Education. We’ve faced challenges like questionable policies and divisive decisions, necessitating a fresh approach. I’m committed to fostering inclusivity, transparency, and accountability to improve the school environment for both students and teachers.
What makes you stand out from the other candidates?
What sets me apart as a candidate is my firsthand experience as a father of three and as a Latino Norwich native. Growing up in the Bronx, New York, I encountered many of the same educational challenges our students face today. My wife, a foreign national from the Dominican Republic, also grapples with the complexities of our educational system due to English not being her first language. This unique perspective equips me to understand the issues faced by second-language-speaking families in our community. My commitment to inclusive, supportive, responsive, and transparent education reflects my dedication to making our schools accessible and equitable for all students and families.
What do you think is the most important issue in the district and why?
Selecting the right superintendent is paramount to the success of our educational system. This leader is entrusted with guiding our future leaders and must exemplify unwavering ethical values and practices. I am dedicated to actively incorporating the invaluable perspectives of teachers and parents in this pivotal decision-making process. Their insights will aid in identifying an exceptional leader capable of driving positive change, fostering inclusive education, and prioritizing student success and needs. These initiatives are crucial in shaping a brighter future for our schools and community.What change would you like to see in Norwich Public Schools during your term should you win?I envision several changes in the Norwich Public schools, including a superintendent who aligns with our vision for inclusive, high-quality education. I would like to see the active participation of the broader community in the planning and decisions in our district, like the construction of schools. Moreover, a stronger connection between schools and non-English-speaking families, will aid in bridging the gap between the Latino community and the school system.In light of the superintendents leave, allegedly caused by a hostile environment, how should the school board respond?In response to the superintendent's departure amid a hostile environment, the school board must act swiftly and effectively. Our collective interest lies in creating a more inclusive and supportive educational system. Blame and dwelling on the past is unproductive. Let's focus on learning from these experiences, using them as stepping stones for change. Developing new policies that foster respect, collaboration, and openness is essential. This will also be vital in attracting the best superintendent candidate. If elected, I will stay committed to positive changes, ensuring our educational community thrives.Anything else you would like to add?I want to emphasize that, as the only Latino candidate, my mission is to represent all individuals in our diverse communities. I am committed to collaborating with all stakeholders, regardless of their background, to create a more inclusive, equitable, and successful educational environment. Our collective strength is in our unity, and I'm dedicated to enacting positive changes that benefit every student, teacher, and family in Norwich. Together, we can forge a brighter, stronger future for our schools and our community. I appreciate your support and trust in my commitment to these values.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: A Q&A with Norwich Board of Education candidate Yamir Flores
