Meet the candidates: Clinton Public Schools’ Board of Education

CLINTON — There are four candidates running for Board of Education for Clinton Public Schools.

Running for the open seats are incumbents Erica Gelven, Democrat, and Michael Hornyak and Peter Nye, both Republicans. The challenger is Democrat Jack Scherban.

Leading up to the Nov. 2 election, Hearst Connecticut Media requested the Democratic and Republican town committees to ask their candidates complete a brief survey about their background and why they are running for office.

Here are the responses to the survey received by the deadline:

Erica Gelven

Town/City: Clinton

Party affiliation: Democrat

Age: 51

Current job/employer: Adjunct faculty in psychology/Quinnipiac University

The top issue you will address if elected: Diversity and socioemotional learning.

Other issues you feel are important: Fiscal responsibility and academic rigor.

Tell us about your family: Married for 27 years, mother to two daughters (19 and 16).

Elected offices held or community groups involved with: Clinton Board of Education member and chairperson.

Why are you seeking public office?: To continue serving the constituency of Clinton and Clinton Public Schools, and to best reflect and advocate for the priorities and needs of their members.

Michael Hornyak

Town/City: Clinton

Party affiliation: Republican

Age: 73

Current job/employer: Retired

The top issue you will address if elected: Provide the best education for our kids

Other issues you feel are important: Equal opportunity for all students.

Elected offices held or community groups involved with: Currently a member of the Clinton Board of Education.

Peter Nye

Town/City: Clinton

Party affiliation: Republican

Age: 49

Current job/employer: Madison Public Schools

The top issue you will address if elected: Optimizing student learning with efficient budgeting.

Other issues you feel are important: Hiring, training and retaining talented educators.

Tell us about your family: Wife Valerie and four children, two who have graduated from Morgan and two who are currently enrolled there.

Elected offices held or community groups involved with: The Morgan School Building committee, high school of the future task force

Why are you seeking public office?: I have dedicated my career to public education and intend to work for the best possible learning outcomes of Clinton’s students.

Jack Scherban

Town/City: Clinton

Party affiliation: Democrat

Age: 77

Current job/employer: Retired-banking.

The top issue you will address if elected: Maintaining high student achievement.

Other issues you feel are important: Fiscally responsible budget.

Tell us about your family: Wife Laraine a retired Clinton teacher. My three children are graduates of the Clinton school system. Currently have three grandchildren in Clinton school system.

Elected offices held or community groups involved with: Former chairman of Clinton Board of Finance and former selectman.

Why are you seeking public office?: This is an opportunity for me to bring my past experience to a new endeavor. I will bring a new and positive perspective to public education in our town.