Keith Kelsey has resigned from the Region 17 Board of Education. We will miss his calm demeanor and openness to all sides of an issue.

A Town Meeting to fill the vacancy has been called for Monday, March 5. The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee (KDTC) endorses Jamie Lehane for the position.

Jamie is regional director for clinical services in the Bureau of Child Welfare, Connecticut Department of Children & Families. In his substantial career, Jamie has managed large organizations; reviewed policies, procedures, and budgets; and tirelessly advocated for children. His skill as a team builder and motivator will serve the school board well.

Jamie has lived in Killingworth for 25 years and has had three children in the Haddam-Killingworth school system. He holds a bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts and a master of public health from Yale.

Jamie told the KDTC, "I am passionate about making sure that our schools challenge every child to reach his or her maximum potential. On the Board of Education, I will bring together my understanding of large institutional budgets with my strong commitment to children. I have demonstrated my ability to find savings and stretch dollars without compromising the mission of the organization."

That is the kind of leadership that we need on our Board of Education.

Stephen Anderson, Chairman

Killingworth Democratic Town Committee