Meet Mark Zydanowicz: Republican Candidate for West Hartford Board of Education

Name:   Mark Zydanowicz
Age: 46
Party, Board Seeking: Republican, BOE
Family information: Wife Nella, three children Jenna 11, Ryan 8 & Julia 7. We’ve lived in West Hartford for 15 years
Occupation, if applicable:  Former 3rd generation and owner Guida’s Dairy, New Britain, CT
Political Experience:  Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Education, 2nd Vice Chairman 1st District-CTGOP, 2010 US Congressional run
Other Experience:  Field Grade Army Engineer Officer, youth basketball coach

Why did you run for office?

Our town’s best asset’s is our schools! With three children in the West Hartford school system I thought is was critical to get involved. As a father my best interests lie in my children and their future. Education is a principal part of their future and I could not sit back without trying to be part of sculpturing their potential in the public school system. I also knew my concerns were authentic and would translate to all the children in our school system. I feel it’s critical for the board members to have children in the school system. With kids in the system, every day you get immediate feedback; first when you sit down and discuss your child’s day, then again when helping with and going over their homework. It’s the most basic form but so important not only for your children, but to get feedback on the quality of education they’re receiving daily.   

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?

Although the board of education has a lot of work in front of them, I will focus on the most current and near term topics affecting West Hartford currently.  

1. Implementation of the Common Core  

2. Rolling out new teacher evaluations

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today?

As stated previously above, I think the critical issues for the West Hartford public school system for both teachers and children are:

1. Implementation of the Common Core  

2. Rolling out new teacher evaluations

3. Choosing a new Superintendent

4. Building a new school

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?

As a previous business owner and a military officer I will drive leadership and accountability.  As a board member I will not rest on the laurels of past performance and will insist on driving continuous improvement for our children by not settling for second best and will challenge the administration to do the same.  Our school system operates on 60% of the towns overall budget, as board members we have the duty to make sure every dollar spent is in the best interest of the kids, teachers and the families to ensure they’re getting a first rate education.