Like many, I read the reports of a new superintendent of schools with an open mind and promise of positive change. I hope this hiring represents the first of many steps to ensure every child in East Haven is prepared to properly compete in today's diverse, competitive society. The formula for success is open to debate, but nobody can argue that we must provide each child with curriculum opportunities and growth in reading, writing, math, and technology. Our teachers need support to seek the most appropriate, state-of-the-art learning philosophies and tools.

Delivering on that premise requires strong leadership from Town Hall. Contrary to claims of success from the Maturo adminstration, our student population continues to fall short of the high expectations set by the parents of this community. East Haven spends far too much of its school budget on administrative overhead instead of classroom instruction-it has one of the highest ratios in the state, in fact. Test scores continue to leave room for vast improvement. According to the 2012 Connecticut Academic Performance Test scores, approximately 40 percent of our 10th-grade students failed to reach goal in any of the four areas tested (math, science, reading, and writing). Ultimately, over the course of his tenure in office, Mayor Joe Maturo deserves an F on education.

Democratic mayoral candidate Gary DePalma has the courage to highlight the issues with our school system and has vowed to lead the effort to help change that trend. I view this as a positive step forward for our children. His team will work with our educational leaders to mandate that resources are spent on our students. I'm satisfied knowing Gary will ask the tough questions during these challenging economic times. I support his efforts to make East Haven Public Schools a very special place.

Alicia BarrettEast Haven