Artie Kassimis: Candidate for Board of Education

Artie Kassimis

Candidate for Board of Education

Party Affiliation: Republican

What inspired you to run for the Board of Education? 

I have been a Norwalk resident for the past 40 years. My wife and I have raised 4 children and now have 7 grandchildren all residing in Norwalk. My children have all gone through Norwalk schools and now have successful careers. This is our home and will continue to be for generations to come. I am a past Board of Ed member serving from 2011-2017. Over the last 8 years, we have all watched the school budget increase by $80MM. I have questioned where is that money being spent? Unfortunately, there is no answer from the current BOE. The lack of transparency and broken promises has caused many parents in Norwalk great concern. No one should discredit the 800+ parents that came out during the budget meetings to have their voices heard. And yet, they fell on deaf ears. I did the job before with excellence and I hope that the citizens of Norwalk can vote for me once again to bring integrity and leadership back to the BOE. 

What local education work have you done, and what has changed because of your work? 

During my 6.5 years on the Board of Ed, I was chairman of several committees. In 2013, we were meeting with Dr. Rivera during our Board Retreat and the idea of P-Tech was birthed. I was part of that team that met with IBM and other companies that brought that school to Norwalk that so many students have benefitted from. 

I was the Facilities Committee Chairman from 2013-2015. At that time I worked closely with Dr. Rivera to initiate the Facilities Study which revealed the need for 2 new schools. The new SoNo School is a  result of that study. There were many other people involved in this process, like Mike Barbis, who worked so diligently to find a piece of property and create the Educational Specs for the new school.  What we began back in 2013 finally came to fruition 10+ years later. 

Also, as Chairman of Facilities, we created the Norwalk Early Childhood Center. Which, unfortunately,  was closed by the current administration. 

I was the Chairman of the Curriculum committee from 2015-2017 and worked closely with Dr.  Adamowski to bring the International Baccalaureate program to Brien McMahon High School. A first for Norwalk schools. 

Lastly, I created a Board position called “Sports Liaison” that worked with the Athletic Directors to  promote the participation of students in all types of sports, including intramural. The statistics are very  clear, that students who participate in sports have a higher graduation rate, higher grade point average,  and have a lesser chance of doing drugs or getting into trouble. During my tenure we had the highest participation rate of student athletes and won many state championships. 

What perspectives would you add that the board currently lacks? 

I have proven leadership skills, from my previous time on the Board, which are much needed at this time. In addition, I was not one to tow the party line but made my decisions based on data and feedback from all stakeholders like parents, teachers, and students. 

What are your three top priorities for the next school year, and what is one thing you would deprioritize?

1. The costs are out of control and there is no transparency with the budget. I have been a member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation for the last 8 years and have questioned the current BOE during the budget process and yet the answers I received were vague and veiled.  When I was a Board of Ed member we balanced our budget for 5 straight years concentrating on the classroom first! 

2. I will prioritize communication with Parents, Taxpayers, Common Council and BET. I believe in full transparency with all stake holders. I was known for always being a trusted voice. 3. We have to increase teacher morale and celebrate them. The current climate is not conducive to teacher retention. 

What changes would you implement to make the budget more parent readable? 

I would hold town hall meetings in different schools around the city to allow parents the convenience to ask questions and know where the budget process is headed. The last minute surprises of teacher cuts is unprofessional and leaves teachers, parents, and students in the dark and asking questions. 

What is your contingency order if federal funds shrink or are taken away? 

When I was on the Board of Ed we empowered the Superintendent to go and find private funds from the many foundations in CT. That’s the first thing I would do. Secondly, we need to prioritize the  classroom and scrutinize all fringe positions that do not affect the classroom. 

How would you approach the recent attendance concerns for multilingual students? 

I would go to their communities where they are comfortable in meeting like churches and listen to their concerns. It’s a great way to find out what they are struggling with and why their attendance is being affected. There is always a solution to a problem if we just take the time to listen. 

What should Norwalk families remember about you when they vote? 

When I was first elected to the Board of Ed in 2011, we were faced with a $4MM shortfall. My colleagues and I went to work and found solutions. Within 1.5 years we were $2MM in the black and balanced our budget for the next 5 years.  

I was the Vice Chairman for 4 of those years and was able to bring consensus with both political parties.  I have proven leadership and a trusted voice. Voters will full transparency from me. What I know they will also know. 

Finally, every year I give away thousands of backpacks to Norwalk’s underserved students. My heart has always been to see all students succeed in all they do!