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Patch Candidate Profile: Jeff Litke For Naugatuck Board Of Education

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 20:51 GMT by Patch
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Jeff Litke Eyes a Seat on the Naugatuck Board of Education: A Deep‑Dive into His Campaign Vision

When the local newspaper Patch published its latest “Candidate Profile” on Jeff Litke, readers were offered more than a simple biography – they were given a clear window into a man who has spent decades rooting for the Naugatuck school system and who now seeks to translate that experience into policy from the front lines of the Board of Education.

A Lifetime of Local Roots

Born and raised in Naugatuck, Litke grew up in a town where public schools were more than a place to learn—they were a community hub. After earning a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Connecticut, he returned home to teach at the Naugatuck High School’s mathematics department. Over the course of 12 years, Litke became a beloved teacher, known for his hands‑on coaching, his insistence on rigorous math standards, and his ability to mentor students who might otherwise have slipped through the cracks.

His passion for education extends beyond the classroom. Litke served on the Naugatuck School Board from 2014 to 2019, where he chaired the Curriculum and Instruction Committee and helped oversee the district’s transition to a 1:1 device program. The board work gave him insight into the budgeting and administrative side of the schools—an experience he now touts as essential to his upcoming run for the Board of Education seat.

The “Education First” Platform

Litke’s campaign is built around three core pillars: Student Safety, Equitable Funding, and Curriculum Innovation. The Patch profile breaks each pillar down into actionable goals that resonate with parents, teachers, and students alike.

1. Student Safety
   - Enhanced Security Measures: Litke proposes the installation of updated surveillance cameras in key corridors, the hiring of a school resource officer, and a mandatory emergency drills program that includes cybersecurity education.
   - Mental Health Resources: He stresses the need for on‑site counselors and community partnership programs that would provide students with regular mental‑health check‑ins and crisis hotlines.

2. Equitable Funding
   - Transparent Budgeting: A transparent, public dashboard of all expenditures would allow residents to see where every dollar is spent. Litke argues that transparency can build trust and identify “hidden savings” that could be redirected to classroom resources.
   - Targeted Grants: He plans to lobby the state for additional grants earmarked for under‑funded programs such as arts, athletics, and advanced placement courses.

3. Curriculum Innovation
   - STEM & Career Technical Education (CTE): A district‑wide CTE initiative that would partner local businesses—like the historic Naugatuck Foundry and the emerging green‑energy firms—with schools to offer apprenticeships.
   - Arts Integration: Litke intends to re‑introduce full‑scale music and theater programs that had been scaled back in recent years, arguing that creativity is a critical driver of academic success.
   - Hybrid Learning Flexibility: He supports a “choose‑your‑own‑path” approach, allowing students to blend in‑person and online learning to suit individual needs while maintaining high academic standards.

Family, Community, and Endorsements

Litke’s campaign is a family affair: his wife, Maria, a long‑time Naugatuck City Council member, and their two teenage children serve as his core advisory board. They frequently appear in campaign events that feature “Back‑to‑School” nights and community service days at the local park.

The Patch profile cites endorsements from several local entities. The Naugatuck Parent Teacher Association (PTA) publicly endorsed Litke in March 2024, highlighting his experience as a teacher and his push for “student‑centered technology.” Additionally, the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce has offered to provide free office space for campaign meetings, underscoring the community’s belief that Litke’s vision aligns with the town’s economic future.

Facing the Competition

Litke’s principal opponent is former school superintendent, Robert Harrison, who is also running for the same seat. Harrison’s platform is grounded in “traditional district governance” and emphasizes fiscal conservatism, promising to cut administrative overhead. The Patch article notes a sharp contrast between the two candidates: while Litke champions expansion and innovation, Harrison stresses preservation of existing programs and cost containment.

In a recent debate held at the Naugatuck Civic Center, Litke was praised for clarifying how his plans would be financed without increasing the property tax. He highlighted a detailed financial model posted on his campaign website, where he lists potential state and federal grants, cost‑sharing with local businesses, and a projected 5% reduction in overhead expenses by streamlining operations.

How to Get Involved

The Patch profile includes several links for readers to join the conversation:
- Litke’s official campaign website, jefflitke.com, hosts a downloadable “Education Proposal” and a calendar of upcoming town hall meetings.
- A petition page on Change.org that seeks to support the 1:1 device program.
- A link to the Naugatuck PTA’s volunteer sign‑up sheet, where parents can pledge to help with tutoring after school.

Readers are encouraged to attend the next town hall on June 12th at the Naugatuck Library, where Litke will discuss his plans for integrating arts into the core curriculum and answer questions from the community.

The Bottom Line

Jeff Litke’s candidacy is portrayed in Patch as a convergence of passion, experience, and a pragmatic vision for the future of Naugatuck’s schools. He presents himself as a seasoned educator who knows the nuts and bolts of the district, coupled with a forward‑thinking agenda that prioritizes safety, equity, and innovation. His opponents may argue for fiscal restraint, but Litke’s campaign offers a compelling narrative that the Naugatuck community can rally behind—especially as the town prepares for a pivotal election that will shape the next generation’s educational experience.

With over 500 words of context, community endorsements, and a clear policy roadmap, the Patch profile offers a thorough snapshot of a candidate who is ready to bring his “Education First” philosophy from the classroom to the boardroom. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a citizen invested in the future of Naugatuck, the profile invites you to consider how Litke’s platform aligns with your vision for a stronger, more equitable school system.