Board Of Education Candidate Q&A: Deborah Motycka Downie

On November 8, 2011 Stonington will hold its municipal election. Stonington-Mystic Patch asked each candidate to answer a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. For additional election coverage visit Elections 2011.

Name: Deborah Motycka Downie

Party Affiliation: Republican

Age: 52

Address: 5 Back Acres Way, Stonington, Conn.

Hometown: I have lived in Stonington since 1995.

Employment (if retired, when and from what): I am a Hydrogeologist/Environmental Consultant and Licensed Environmental Professional with Haley & Aldrich, Inc.

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Geology/Biology from Bucknell University, M.A. in Earth Science/Hydrogeology from State University of New York at Oneonta

Incumbent? (if yes, first elected when): No

Previous elected experience: None

Civic experience (appointments, non-profits):

• Stonington Wetlands Commission (2005-current, served as Vice Chairman and Chairman
• Stonington Storm Water Task Force
• Restoration Advisory Board, Naval Submarine Base Superfund Site (1994-present, served as
  Community Co-Chairman)
• Denison Society Board of Trustees
• Music Boosters (Co-President)
• Stonington High School Drama Boosters (Committee Chairman)
• School Based Improvement Team (Co-Chairman)
• PTO (Co-President and Committee Chairman)
• Town of Ledyard Water Pollution Control Authority
• Boy Scout Troop 76 – Advancement Chairman and Eagle Committee Chairman

Top issue facing the town and your ideas for fixing it: I believe that the budget is the biggest issue facing the Stonington Board of Education. In these difficult economic times, it is critical that the Board of Education work find innovative ways to work within the budget while continuing to provide the best education for our children. More and more families are struggling to pay for basic necessities. People don’t realize how many school expenses are not funded and must be paid for by student/parent fundraising increases. The Board of Education will have to be creative to find ways to more efficiently use supplies, facilities and technology so we can maintain and enrich programs, rather than cutting them. The Board of Education and Central Administration has already started working with the Town and the Board of Finance to eliminate duplicate costs and consolidate where possible and this should continue. A first-class school system is not only critical to ensuring that our kids become productive members of the community but it is also key to maintaining property values in our town.

Second issue: It is important that the Board of Education and school administration continue to foster partnerships with local businesses and other community organizations in order to leverage existing resources for the betterment of the learning environment. Community members have a lot to offer to the schools and we should make the most of this resource. In turn, the student body can also find ways to give back to the community.

Third issue: Times are changing, not all graduating seniors are moving onto college, some are entering the workforce or the military. We must make sure our school system continues to offer classes or opportunities in technical and business skills to challenge students who are not necessarily in a college preparatory program. SHS currently offers excellent technology classes, as well as classes in the arts, finances, media, and entrepreneurial skills; some of these incorporate partnerships and internships with local businesses. It is important that these classes and associated extracurricular activities do not fall victim to budget cuts.