South Windsor resident Paul Macchi tells Patch why he should be elected to the Board of Education.
SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in South Windsor, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.
South Windsor Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.
Name: Paul Macchi
How old will you be as of Election Day? 36
Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.
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https://swdems.org
What city or town do you live in? South Windsor
What office are you seeking? Board of Education
Party affiliation: Democrat
Education: South Windsor High School Graduate 2005, Bachelors Degree in Health & Physical Education, CCSU; Master Degree - Masters in Education from University of New England. Connecticut Coaching Certification.
What is your occupation?
Middle School Health & Physical Education Teacher - 2012 - Present
Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.
Both my wife Kerry and I were born and raised in South Windsor. We have three boys: Tyler (6), Nolan (4), and Colin (1).
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
I was on the Parks and Recreation Facility Planning and Implementation Committee for the town of South Windsor.
Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?
For the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of working as a middle school health and physical educator, middle school unified basketball coach, and high school field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse coach. Throughout my career, I've witnessed the challenges and opportunities that our students, teachers, and parents face. I have always been committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. Being an educator I am familiar with the needs of our students, the challenges they encounter, and the strategies that can make a difference in their academic life. This perspective is invaluable when making decisions and impacting curriculum, resources, and policies.
Also, I am deeply passionate about supporting the South Windsor teachers and staff and ensuring that they have the tools, training, and resources necessary to excel in their roles. The faculty in our schools are monumental to the success of our students. I personally understand they work tirelessly to ensure our students grow to be lifelong learners and productive members of our society.
Lastly, as a father of three young boys, one of whom currently uses the special services our town offers has given me a unique perspective on what our school needs. This personal experience has opened my eyes to advocate for all students to ensure that they have every possible resource they will need to be successful. I plan to be a strong advocate for every one of our students and being a father and teacher has taught me valuable life lessons that will help me as a member of the Board of Education.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.
South Windsor Public Schools is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Connecticut. Although, that is great news it does present its own set of challenges. First, I will work endlessly to ensure that our classrooms have the resources they need to support quality education. This includes up-to-date technology and materials that meet the needs of our students, and that also includes supporting our teachers so that we can retain high-quality educators. I would like to work with our administration and teachers to develop a curriculum that meets the needs of the growing and diverse student population. A curriculum that meets high standards and prepares our students for the future. Lastly, I will work with the district and town administration to manage the budget efficiently. It’s important to prioritize spending on essential educational resources while being mindful of taxpayer concerns.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a father, I have an understanding of the needs and concerns of both parents and students within our district. This personal experience allows me to empathize with the challenges the families face and make informed decisions that prioritize their interests. My experience as a teacher equips me with valuable insights into classroom dynamics, curriculum development, and the challenges educators encounter daily. This is a wonderful asset when shaping education policies and decisions.
My experience navigating my family's needs will help me be informed about the policies our town has when it comes to special education. I will advocate to improve and expand the services of our students.
My dual perspective as a father and teacher will help keep the students and staff at the forefront of my decision-making. Prioritizing the best interests of students and staff is a common goal shared by both of my roles. I also hope to inspire others in the community who can relate to my experiences to get more involved in the educational process.
If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Other important issues I would like to dive into if elected would be long-term planning, school safety, and collaborating with the town to continue moving us forward. The recent strategic plan is a great start for our district. It clearly looked at all aspects of education and I anticipate the students benefiting from it. I look forward to watching this plan help the future of our students as well as, seeing how our teachers implement this plan into their curriculum. This plan can guide decision-making and resource allocation for years to come. School safety is something that I find extremely important. The decision-makers need to ensure that schools have adequate safety measures in place to protect all of our students and staff. This includes security personnel, emergency response plans, transportation, and mental health resources to support the well-being of our students. I know our recent board has improved our school security and I plan to continue to find ways to ensure our buildings are as safe as possible and our students have access to the best resources available. Transportation is an ongoing problem for many districts. I hope to work closely with administrators to address transportation needs for a growing district by optimizing bus routes and ensuring safe and efficient transportation options for our students. Lastly, a successful school district must have a healthy relationship with the town. I look forward to whenever possible collaborating with other elected officials and community organizers to best help the needs of our students. That includes advocating for our district's needs that will benefit our community.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have lived in South Windsor my whole life, I went through the school system and have been fortunate enough to benefit from everything our town has to offer. I believe being a teacher, and having young children who are going through the same school system as I did really gives me a unique perspective. I know I can help continue to make South Windsor Public School an amazing place to be. I work in a school, I've worked on budgets, I've worked on curriculum, I'm a coach, and I'm a parent. I will take a little something from everything I have done and use that in this role for the families of South Windsor.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"Take joy in the journey" You have to try to find joy in everything you do. I try to learn from every life experience and take the positive whenever possible.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have relevant experience, both as a parent and as a teacher. These roles give me insights into the needs of students, parents, and educators. My education gives me the background to help make well-thought-out decisions that are the best for our school community. I believe my personal connections in this community will drive my commitment to making South Windsor a better place for everyone. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable educational system where every child, regardless of their abilities or background, has the opportunity to thrive. I've lived in South Windsor my whole life and I hope to be able to give back to the community that has given me and my family so much!
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