Q&A: Boe Candidate Robert Beaver

Note: In the days leading up to Election Day, the Ledyard Patch will run short profiles of all town candidates for council and board of education, along with their responses to three questions that we asked. Election Day is Nov. 8.

Name:  Robert Beaver        

Age:  56

Education:  University of Connecticut, BS in Accounting; Emmaus Bible College, College for Financial Planning

Work Experience: Stonewall Management Real Estate Company, Owner; Liberty Tax Service, Master Franchiser

Civic/Political Experience:  Ledyard Recreation League - basketball coach; SECCSL – Men’s softball coach; Groton Bible Chapel – Awana leader; Teen Dept. Sunday School, Adult Sunday School teacher

Family:  Married to Maureen for 17 years, Daughter, Julianna, a junior at Ledyard High School

Why are you running for this office?

I believe educating our young people is the most important task and responsibility we have as a community.  We need to continue to improve our student’s academic performance and our teacher’s development. With my background in accounting and business, I will be able to assist the Board in finding areas of cost savings.

2. What do you believe is the greatest challenge Ledyard schools face today, and what would you do to meet this challenge?

Our greatest challenge is preparing our students for a global economy in the 21st century.  I can help accomplish this by working with the Board and the superintendent to establish a system of education that teaches our students critical-thinking, problem-solving, analysis of information and being creative skills.

Our second greatest challenge is operating the school system in a cost-efficient manner.  My background in accounting and my experience as a business owner will help in finding cost savings that have a minimal impact upon the students.

3. How would you rate the performance of the current board overall, and what, if anything, would you do differently?

I believe the current board is doing a good job.  There is good unity between the members and a set of common goals.  There have been increased scores on student assessment tests.  They have a good relationship with the superintendent. I would like to see a greater emphasis on teacher evaluation and performance and raising the level of parental involvement.