Five vie for 3 seats on Hubbard board

Five candidates are hoping to fill three seats.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

HUBBARD — Several candidates for the board of education say they have the time and energy needed to steer the district in the right direction.

Voters will be asked to fill three seats on the board from a field of five candidates.

Running for the board of education are: Martin Franko of East Liberty Street, Frank Maietta of Anthony Circle, George Praznik of Buckeye Drive, Linda Silvidi of Forest Hill Drive and Raymond Wells of Youngstown-Hubbard Road.

Praznik cites his experience as mayor, where he says he managed a multimillion-dollar expense budget and a million-dollar capital improvement budget, as proof that his placement on the board would be in the community best interest.

Praznik said he has also acquired another skill that will be beneficial on the board — working with others.

“As a member of the board of education, it is extremely important to have the ability to work with fellow board members, administrative staff, teachers and service employees. ... I have a proven record of working together with individuals,” he said.

As a retiree, Praznik said he will have plenty of time to devote to the board. Praznik was elected Hubbard mayor in 1996 and lost to current Mayor Art Magee in 2003.

Silvidi said her pending retirement also will afford her plenty of time to devote to the board. She will be retiring from a teaching position in West Middlesex next year.

According to Silvidi, it is those years in education that will help her to ensure the best academic opportunity for Hubbard School District children “in the safest and healthiest environment.”

“I have spent the last 36 years teaching at a nearby school district and will bring my academic experience and knowledge of the curriculum and standards, plus love and dedication for our children of the future,” she said.

Silvidi said as a board member she will be a good listener seeking answers to questions and weighing options before making any decisions.

According to Franko, his knowledge, experience and involvement in the district — he has two kids still attending the schools — make him a good candidate.

Franko said the current major issue facing the district is the construction of all new school buildings. His goal, he said, will be to build the best possible schools for the district, at the same time making sure they are economically operated and not a burden to taxpayers.

Raymond Wells, the only incumbent running again, and Frank Maietta did not submit candidates forms from which this information was taken. Two other current board members are not seeking re-election.

jgoodwin@vindy.com