The Selection Committee of the Waterbury Independent Party is pleased to announce that John E. Theriault, currently serving his second term as a member of the Waterbury Board of Education, will seek the party’s endorsement on Saturday, August 27TH for reelection this November 8th.
Commissioner Theriault is a lifelong resident of Waterbury, one of five children born to Julia and Ernest Theriault; he is married to Veronica (Murphy) Theriault and has three children and four grandchildren. A resident of the East Mountain neighborhood he is a parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Basilica. Commissioner Theriault graduated from local public schools and then earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management, a Masters Degree in Education, 6TH year in Administration & Supervision. He has also participated in advanced courses in Urban Studies.
Commissioner Theriault became a teacher in 1969, a principal in 1975 and worked at the elementary, middle, high and alternative schools, as well as in special education for more than 32 years. He was elected to the Board of Education as an Independent in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. As an advocate for taxpayers and our children, he has encouraged educational programs and skills that allow our youth to compete and contribute in a modern society.
Commissioner Theriault is responsible for bringing to public attention excessive amounts of overtime paid to a select group of custodial supervisors. His tracking of data on absenteeism and corrective suggestions has resulted in a steady increase in student attendance and a reduction in the dropout rate. This year, he spent more than 300 hours visiting our schools and produced more than 30 hours of video that documented deficit maintenance in our school system. This effort resulted in the retirement of our school inspector, the temporary hiring of two maintenance supervisors and a much improved and cleaner teaching environment for our children.
Commissioner Theriault has demonstrated his dedication on behalf of Waterbury taxpayers and is a tireless advocate for our children’s education, health and safety. We look forward to John Theriault being endorsed by the Independent Caucus this Saturday and his reelection as an Independent Board of Education Commissioner.