Letter to the Editor: Devin Berke Calls for Strong Schools Through Steady Fundamentals in Region 18

To the Editor:

Every family in Lyme and Old Lyme wants the same thing from our schools: a safe place where children learn, grow and leave ready for what comes next. Good intentions alone won’t get us there. It takes careful planning, responsible use of taxpayer dollars and a willingness to face new challenges directly. That is why I am running for the Board of Education. 

My campaign rests on three priorities.

First, sound financial management. I have spent 6 years in accounting, and I know that a budget is a statement of values. I will work to build responsible budgets that put resources where they matter most: in the classroom. I will advocate for a healthy undesignated fund, the reserve that protects the district from unexpected costs without sudden tax increases or program cuts. And I will push for forecasting that looks beyond next year, so that decisions made today don’t become burdens tomorrow.

Second, long-term planning. Roofs, heating systems and technology all wear out on a schedule we can predict. My experience in project management and construction has taught me that the most expensive repair is the one nobody planned for. I look forward to working with the Facilities and Finance Committee to build a five-year capital improvement plan and extend it toward 10 years. I have also taken part in union negotiations and have worked alongside both union and non-union employees. Good outcomes come from a balanced approach that respects the people doing the work and the taxpayers who fund it.

Third, clear policies for technology in the classroom. Artificial intelligence and screens are changing how our children learn, and our policies should keep pace. Used well, these tools open real opportunities. Used without clear guidelines, they can affect students’ focus, sleep and well-being, and raise questions about online safety. I would like to see thoughtful policies on AI and screen time that help students use technology responsibly and prepare them for a workforce where these tools will matter. Those guidelines should be shaped with input from parents and teachers who see the impact every day. Technology spending should deliver real value, and every vendor agreement should protect student data. We can also partner with families by sharing resources on healthy technology habits at home.

None of these priorities is flashy. But strong schools are built on steady fundamentals: responsible budgets, thoughtful plans and policies that look ahead. I am asking for your vote on October 6, so I can bring that approach to Region 18, for our students, our teachers and our taxpayers.

Sincerely,
Devin Berke
Old Lyme

Editor’s Note: Devin Berke is a member of the Old Lyme Democrat Town Committee and the Old Lyme Board of Assessment Appeals.