Meet Michael Gonzalez, Democratic Candidate for Board of Education

Occupation: Associate Instructor - Capitol Region Education Council

Education: 

• BS, Human Services - concentration on Education, Springfield College, Springfield, MA
• BS, Biblical Studies - concentration on Urban Studies, Biblical Life College & Seminary, St. Louis, MO
• Currently enrolled in MS program for Elementary Ed, University of Hartford, Bloomfield, CT

Experience: 

• South Windsor Board of Education member
• Worked 15 years in Juvenile Justice system as an administrator
• Serve as a licensed minister through Youth Challenge  of Connecticut
• Receipt of the CATCH award - Committed Adult to Children in Hartford
• Receipt of the Eagles’ award - for undergraduate  who overcame obstacles
• Student Council President of Graduating class at Springfield College

Personal: Resides in South Windsor with wife and lifetime town resident, Samantha Gonzalez along with their three children Madison, Kenadie, and Jude. 

What's your vision for South Windsor?
As I seek re-election for the South Windsor Board of Education, my vision is to become a voice and advocate for the families and children in my town. It is important to me that I hear what families are saying about their educational experiences and then provide that insight to other members of the board so that collectively we can strengthen our approaches and methods in providing the highest quality education possible. The process will also allow me to serve the community and ensure that their needs are being addressed. A second part of my vision is to provide positive and productive input so that the direction in which the educational system in South Windsor goes is forward. I'll offer this by helping to establish district wide policies that align with the state common core standards. I will also strive to maintain positive working relationships with the superintendent, administration, and staff.    

What are your top priorities?
My priorities are to see families have the best possible educational experiences for their children. It will require that the district have state of the art facilities where cutting edge technology is offered. Another priority is to ensure that we provide the best, most qualified teachers to our students, as well as, secure a rigorous academic standard that will allow our students to be well prepared for college and other life experiences.