Why am I Running for Brookfield's Board of Education?

My wife, Kim and I moved to Brookfield in 2004. As a married couple with plans for a family, we searched for homes in several area towns. In the end, we chose Brookfield primarily for its schools. As parents of two young children today, we have never regretted our decision.

I am running for the Board of Education (BOE) because I believe in serving my community and using my strengths to give back where and when I can. More importantly, I want to ensure that our teachers and administrators continue to have the tools and resources they need to educate our children in the 21st Century. The world is a very different place than the one in which I grew up. There are more demands on students to not only learn the basics, but to meet increasingly higher standards.  

I believe our goals should not only focus on student achievement and test scores, but provide students with meaningful learning opportunities that give them the experience and knowledge needed to graduate high school and prepare them for success after high school. I would like our administrators to support new and innovative teaching methods that stretch our students’ capabilities. I believe the integration of technology at all school levels is crucial to this process. 

Over the past few years the budget season has been a time that divides our community. Now more than ever, the BOE needs to bring forth a budget that is fiscally responsible and transparent, yet still meets the needs of all students. There are no perfect solutions to these budgetary or regulatory challenges. However, my financial experience coupled with my creativity and innovation, will help us move forward in a positive and productive direction.  

Another one of my goals as a BOE member is to communicate openly and regularly with all Brookfield residents. The entire community has a stake in our educational system including parents, students, teachers, administrators and senior citizens. I support encouraging feedback from our stakeholders in less formal round table discussions and focus groups. I will listen to every community group with appreciation and respect for divergent viewpoints. Through my dedication, approachability and commitment to work on your behalf, I hope to help bring complete trust to the Board of Education.

I realize that these are tall orders and I acknowledge that we face many challenges. However, with a cohesive BOE, dedicated teachers, responsible administrators and community support, I believe we can achieve educational excellence. 

The success of our schools and the success of our community are not mutually exclusive; we cannot lose sight of what and whom we are working for — the town, its schools and most importantly, our students. I pledge to work diligently on your behalf.

Please support me with your vote on November 8.

About Scott D. McCarthy

I was born, raised and educated in Danbury, CT. I have lived in Brookfield since 2004 with my wife and our two young children. I attended Central Connecticut State University where I graduated with a B.S. in Finance. I then attended the University of Connecticut where I earned my MBA. 

I have worked in the retirement services industry for the last 17 years. For the past 11 years I have worked in client management for a company located in White Plains, NY. I have a strong financial background and often work within a team environment to solve financial problems and identify areas of improvement for  clients. I hold various FINRA securities licenses and designations from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA).  

I enjoy coaching youth sports and most recently have become a den leader for the local Cub Scout Tiger den.