Harry Rilling Education Platform Announcement

On Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, Democratic mayoral candidate Harry Rilling announced his three-point plan to bring a 21st century education system to Norwalk.

As mayor Rilling pledged that he would bring leadership that creates a positive partnership with the Board of Education, the Superintendent, and school leaders. 

“I will work to increase student academic performance, fully address safety concerns, maintain and improve facilities, implement the Common Core curriculum, and seek state and federal resources to accomplish these goals,” said Rilling in a release.

Rilling said he will respect the value and worth of all employees in the Norwalk Public Schools to educate all of Norwalk’s 11,000 students. 

“All staff, teachers, aides, clerical, nurses, and custodians want to have a mayor who respects the employees who have the direct and indirect contact with children and parents,” said Rilling in the release. “The employees of Norwalk Public Schools are professionals and need to be treated as such. They need to be listened to and have input in the operation and priorities of our education system.”

If elected, Rilling said he will provide mayoral leadership for a 21st century education system that reflects the challenges of educating a new generation for college, careers, and citizenship. 

“As mayor I will work to obtain additional pre-K seats, push for more after-school programs, use resource centers and parent leadership trainings to better support our parents, and promote adequate programs in the arts, music, sports, and student government,” said Rilling in the release. 

In addition, Rilling said he will work with Norwalk Community College, unions, local businesses, and the community to create a career pipeline so Norwalk’s students are prepared for post secondary education opportunities and careers.