John B. Sliney
Born on April 6, 1897, John Buckley Sliney was educated in Branford schools, graduating in the Class of 1915, along with his future wife Terese Hall. His peers recognized his leadership qualities, as he was elected class president, and by his father, who submitted his name for election to the school board. John B. Sliney recalled, "Branford was traditionally Republican and I guess it was difficult to get anyone to run on the Democratic ticket." Winning this 1923 election eventually led to his becoming the longest successive holder of elective office in Connecticut.
He served on the Board of Education (BOE), believing that public service was among the highest callings, John Sliney stayed put for forty years, stepping down in 1963 to become First Selectman. Throughout this time, he served on each of the committees and on the building committee for all but one school. Built at a cost of $245,000.00, Branford High School opened in 1929 on Eades Street. Years later, he related to 4th graders what happened to three houses on that property: "They were moved on giant skateboards, very similar, only very much larger than what youngsters use today." He served as a trustee of the Blackstone Library as well.
John Sliney served as Chairman of the BOE from 1947-1952. During a "fiery session" in 1949, he argued for a bond for the Short Beach and Indian Neck Schools due to overcrowding - with forty pupils per class not unusual - explaining why these sites were selected as transportation had become a major factor. Acting also as chairman of the building committee, Chair man Sliney later declared that these "two buildings match any in the State of Connecticut in construction and appearance, even though the cost per square foot for these two schools was the lowest of all schools built in the state at that time: Indian Neck $10.14 per square foot, Short Beach at $11.48".
As First Selectman, John Sliney saw that former school buildings were utilized for the public. For example, Harbor Street School became the Counseling Center and Canoe Brook School became the Senior Center. With the growth in population and the need for new schools, the town purchased thirty-six acres on Damascus Road to build a middle school for $9 million dollars in 1972. Still, the following year overcrowdings became an issue again. He argued that since the Intermediate School was at 60% capacity, it should also house 9th graders as the high school was at "125% or better" of capacity. The Eades Street School was also in drastic need of repairs and First Selectman Sliney favored renovation over returning it to the town.
Aware of opposition to his recommendations, he remained adamant that the Eades Street School be revitalized and thus followed several years of debate between the administration, the RTM and the BOE. He explained his position like the true Yankee that he was: "I want to get the school back in shape, but I want to do it without wasting money." His practical approach revealed a trust in the townspeople to find their own solutions. When the BOE proposed hiring a professional for long range planning, Sliney maintained that the central office's "three top educators have as much knowledge as any group you would bring in from outside" and that the situation could be remedied by an ad hoc committee of the Board of Finance, RTM and school board members.
After Sliney pursued federal and state funds, the school was renovated at a cost of 1.6 million dollars and the BOE renamed the school after him-an act for which he found it difficult to express his gratitude. He said, "The building has always been close to my heart. It was tough to see it not in use." When it reopened on April 2, 1978, he greeted the fourth graders at the door, addressed the school in an assembly and talked to various classes. He sported the sweatshirt with the words John B. Sliney School and the number one emblazed on it.
He served on the Board of Education (BOE), believing that public service was among the highest callings, John Sliney stayed put for forty years, stepping down in 1963 to become First Selectman. Throughout this time, he served on each of the committees and on the building committee for all but one school. Built at a cost of $245,000.00, Branford High School opened in 1929 on Eades Street. Years later, he related to 4th graders what happened to three houses on that property: "They were moved on giant skateboards, very similar, only very much larger than what youngsters use today." He served as a trustee of the Blackstone Library as well.
John Sliney served as Chairman of the BOE from 1947-1952. During a "fiery session" in 1949, he argued for a bond for the Short Beach and Indian Neck Schools due to overcrowding - with forty pupils per class not unusual - explaining why these sites were selected as transportation had become a major factor. Acting also as chairman of the building committee, Chair man Sliney later declared that these "two buildings match any in the State of Connecticut in construction and appearance, even though the cost per square foot for these two schools was the lowest of all schools built in the state at that time: Indian Neck $10.14 per square foot, Short Beach at $11.48".
As First Selectman, John Sliney saw that former school buildings were utilized for the public. For example, Harbor Street School became the Counseling Center and Canoe Brook School became the Senior Center. With the growth in population and the need for new schools, the town purchased thirty-six acres on Damascus Road to build a middle school for $9 million dollars in 1972. Still, the following year overcrowdings became an issue again. He argued that since the Intermediate School was at 60% capacity, it should also house 9th graders as the high school was at "125% or better" of capacity. The Eades Street School was also in drastic need of repairs and First Selectman Sliney favored renovation over returning it to the town.
Aware of opposition to his recommendations, he remained adamant that the Eades Street School be revitalized and thus followed several years of debate between the administration, the RTM and the BOE. He explained his position like the true Yankee that he was: "I want to get the school back in shape, but I want to do it without wasting money." His practical approach revealed a trust in the townspeople to find their own solutions. When the BOE proposed hiring a professional for long range planning, Sliney maintained that the central office's "three top educators have as much knowledge as any group you would bring in from outside" and that the situation could be remedied by an ad hoc committee of the Board of Finance, RTM and school board members.
After Sliney pursued federal and state funds, the school was renovated at a cost of 1.6 million dollars and the BOE renamed the school after him-an act for which he found it difficult to express his gratitude. He said, "The building has always been close to my heart. It was tough to see it not in use." When it reopened on April 2, 1978, he greeted the fourth graders at the door, addressed the school in an assembly and talked to various classes. He sported the sweatshirt with the words John B. Sliney School and the number one emblazed on it.