NORWICH – In spite of an almost non-existant turnout as well as the absence of the three school board incumbents seeking another term, “Meet the Candidates Night” pressed on at Stanford Gibson Primary on Thursday, giving Norwich School Board hopefuls a chance to pitch their ideas for district-wide improvements.

Norwich School Board hopefuls pitched their ideas for district-wide improvements at a “Meet the Candidates” night hosted at Gibson Primary School on Thursday.

Jennifer Collins, a retired Norwich native and graduate of the Norwich City School District, and Robert Smith, a 17-year resident and massage business owner, are vying for a three-year seat on the board. Three positions are up for grabs this year, currently filled by board members Joseph Stagliano (president), Perry Owen, and Tom Morrone (an appointee fulfilling the final year of a previous term). All three incumbents are seeking another term.

Stagliano, Owen and Morrone were all absent from Thursday’s discussion due to conflicting obligations; however, event organizer and Norwich Educators Organization President Eric Cunningham said they had been contacted and sent their regrets for not being able to attend.

With an eye on issues including financial hardships, contentious education reform policies and improving communication between the district and the community, Collins and Smith both say they’re ready to step into the role of leadership.

In terms of budget building, there ought to be continual collaboration between board members and district executives, Smith argued. “Unfortunately, the board meets only once a month and they don’t know every single detail about the budget,” he said. “The board has to take responsibility to look at it, but they do need help. There should be a connection between the board and the superintendent and deputy superintendent.”

In addition to maintaining that connection, Collins supports the notion of sub-committees consisting of select board members, each committee focusing solely on specific budgetary issues.

“In overseeing and working with the administrators who are putting the budget together, that may be a good way to keep control of it,” she said. “We also want to watch for any spike in expense as an indication that something is going awry.”