Background & Experience

Mike Beckwith brings a unique blend of professional and educational experience to his candidacy for the Andover Board of Education. A graduate of Bentley University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Mike began his career in finance before following his passion for education. Now in his 14th year as a public school teacher, Mike holds a master’s degree in Math Education and has taught in both urban and suburban districts. His dual background gives him a strong foundation in both fiscal responsibility and educational best practices.

A father of two children currently attending Andover Elementary School, Mike is deeply invested in the success of the district—not only as an educator, but as a parent and community member. He has served on the Andover Board of Education for the past three years and also brings leadership experience as a department chair and team leader in his teaching role.

Why He’s Running

Mike’s core belief is simple: the best way to support students is to support the educators who teach them. He is running to ensure the Board makes informed, student-centered decisions that positively affect every child, every day. His focus is on putting educational needs first while maintaining a thoughtful, transparent approach to policy and budgeting.

Priorities & Vision

Mike’s top priorities include:

• Improving differentiation in classrooms to ensure that all students—regardless of learning style or ability—can thrive
• Supporting high-quality instruction by empowering educators
• Responsibly addressing the challenges of a growing student population

“With experience in both the classroom and on the board, I understand how policy affects practice. I am committed to fostering a district where equity, excellence, and opportunity are at the forefront.”

Nicholas has been a resident of Andover, CT for close to 6 years. Nick has most recently worked in the aerospace industry where he currently is the lead scheduler for navy programs. He has a deep passion for project and financial management. Prior to this, Nick had a career as an IT Director.

In addition to his career Nick has dedicated time to his passion for education. He earned his MBA with a CAS in data science from Syracuse University and has hopes of pursuing a PhD. Nick has previously served on his condo board where he helped project plan and helped manage a budget.

Gerry retired after 18 years of teaching. He taught 4th and 5th grades at Pleasant Valley Elementary School and was loved by students and staff. Gerry was elected to the Board of Education in May 2017. He served on the Superintendent Search Committee, Staff Contract Negotiation Subcommittee and Teacher Contract Negotiation Subcommittee.

Gerry was a volunteer at Andover Elementary School for 3 years, the AHM Youth and Family Services Lantern mentor for 6 years, an Andover Community Volunteer and an endorsed member of the Andover Zoning Board of Appeals.

“Gerry’s warm, composed manner, integrity, and principled character has made him a valuable asset and respected member of the board.”

Patrick Dougherty is an aerospace inspector who has been an Andover resident since 2007. He has previously served on the Andover Economic Development Committee and also the Planning and Zoning Commission. His main focus is to support local and home-based businesses while sustaining the character of Andover.

Robert has a BA in History from Trinity College. He and his family moved to Andover in 2007. He is currently a member of the Board of Finance re-elected in 2021. Robert understands his critical role in Andover. His goal is to balance town needs which he says are many; schools, roads/culverts/trees, the community center, and the issue of the town’s savings balance about to be depleted.

Robert has excellent problem-solving skills. He is analytical, impartial, considerate, and efficient, all traits critical for a Board of Finance member. Robert’s children went through Andover Elementary and are now in 10th grade and 7th grade at RHAM.

Mike is a fiber optics technician and has lived in Andover since 2015. He completed a BA at Connecticut College and has a Masters of Science in International Sports Management from SUNY Cortland. He is husband to Caitlin Greenhouse who serves as chair for the Andover Board of Education and he is proud father to two young sons, Elijah (12), and Wynston (7). Mike is a registered Democrat and is excited for an opportunity to help serve the town.

Julia moved to Andover in 1969. She was happy living here right from the start. Howard and Rachel Stanley were her only close neighbors. Soon Howard invited her to attend a town meeting telling her, “It’s better than TV!” She happily accepted his invitation. That was the beginning of many years of serving on town boards and commissions. She was First Selectman when the “new firehouse” was approved, and worked on the committee to approve the Long Hill Ball Field. She is running currently to serve an unexpired term on the Board of Assessment Appeals.

“I would humbly appreciate your vote for this position so that I may continue to serve the town of Andover.“

Jayne was born and raised in Manchester Connecticut. After graduating Manchester High school in 2007 she went on to study business and marketing. She attended Manchester Community College as well as Pima Community College in Tucson Arizona. She has worked in various careers including marketing, management, retail, service and distribution.

Jayne had been an Andover resident for the last 12 years. She spent 5 years at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford where she worked as the Membership Coordinator in the Marketing Department. After the pandemic she left the Science Center to pursue a different path as a rural carrier associate with the United States Postal Service. Having spent the past 4 years with the USPS she is looking forward to working with her community in Andover as their next town clerk.

“I am deeply passionate about the town of Andover and it’s residents. With a commitment to service, integrity and respect I hope to serve the town with dignity.

Priding himself on objectivity, a calm demeanor, and a desire to move past divisive politics, Jay wishes to contribute to Andover’s future through our Planning and Zoning Committee, helping balance environmental, business and residential needs.

Jay and his family have lived in Andover for over 20 years. He works as a Lead User Experience Designer for a Connecticut-based medical device manufacturer focused on helping families grow through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology. He also ran his own web design and development firm from 1999-2020.

He is a long-time member of the Andover Democratic Town Committee as well as The Andover’s Greater Together Community Fund, which this year distributed over $40,000 in grants to deserving organizations that directly benefit the people of Andover. Grants this year included Operation Fuel, Veteran’s Field Improvements, Andover Cub Scouts, and Hop River Homes.

“I am a passionate advocate for honestly, fairness and the belief that small towns like ours can rise above partisanship and work together for the common good.”

Sharon St. Rock has been a resident of Andover for 18 years. She is running for the Board of Education to advocate for high quality education in our district, fiscal responsibility, and the success of every student.

The last 10 years of her 25 year nursing career have been spent with a focus on school based health. She has served as the nurse consultant for AHM’s preschool program, as well as an intermittent and long term substitute nurse at AES. She is enjoying her current role as a full time elementary school nurse. As the parent of a 4th grader, and a recent AES graduate, Sharon has spent many hours volunteering at the school in various capacities. This experience has prepared her to make difficult decisions with a sensible and informed approach.

“Her priorities include ensuring transparency and communication between parents, educators, and community leaders to enable us to work together so that all young learners can thrive and reach their full potential.”

Heather Van Cara is a Connecticut native and has lived in Andover with her husband, daughter, horses, and dogs since 2004. She has an MBA from Rensselear Hartford and has worked for much of her career at CIGNA Healthcare as Senior Risk Underwriter and Program Advisor.

Heather has deep experience in finance, analytics, and risk management. She brings a collaborative approach to her work, is thoughtful, even keeled, and very good at weighing the pros and cons of competing alternatives.

“I care deeply about the town of Andover and want to help it continue to provide a great community for its residents.“

Candidate for Fire Commission

Scott is a life long resident of Andover. He has served over 30 years as the Town Historian and President of the Andover Historical Society. In addition to regularly offering lectures on Town history, he wrote the book “A Historic Look at Andover, Connecticut.” He will be celebrating 50 years as a member of the Andover Volunteer Fire Department next year. Scott has been serving on the Town’s Fire Commission since 2014, constantly working ensure the Town is well protected at a reasonable cost to the taxpayers.

(Jeff seems to be a little camera-shy.)

Anyone who’s spent a significant amount of time around knows Jeff, with his fingers in so many pies.

Now he’s ready to serve his town one more time as an alternate to the ZBA.