WILLIAM DUVAL
WESTFIELD – Whether it is to protect and serve the public, to defend the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, or to educate America’s youth, many of us have a mission which we dedicate our lives to.
For Dr. Bill Duval, his life has been devoted to the latter of the three, as the retired psychology professor from Westfield State University for over three decades is seeking another term on the Westfield School Committee.
Duval, a Stafford Springs, Conn. native who has received degrees from the College of the Holy Cross, the University of Connecticut and the University of Indiana, has worked closely with Westfield Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Scallion on implementing new reading programs in the school system, as well as improving professional development days for the district’s teachers.
He has also headed subcommittees to help improve the quality of education for the district’s students who are battling autism.
“Quite a few students in the district are autistic,” Duval said. “There are students at Westfield State studying in behavioral therapy that we brought in to intern with these students at Juniper Park, rather than sending them out of Westfield at a great cost to the district.”
Duval believes his relationship with the University will continue to provide the school committee with a great wealth of resources.
“I was on another subcommittee for the Bridges program, for fifth and sixth graders who displayed all the characteristics of potential high school dropouts,” said Duval. “I worked with several city educators on this program, but also with parents, which is important. We find that the more involved parents are in their kid’s education, the better they do.”
The former professor has also worked extensively in school systems in various capacities, including as a guidance counselor, school psychologist, and as a teacher.
“My experience has given me a good groundwork to make things happen for this committee,” said the four-year member. “A strong community needs strong schools, and strong schools need a strong community.”
Duval is confident in the capability of the Westfield School Committee to continue to make good on initiatives to improve the education of the city’s children, and was quick to summarize the biggest key to its future successes.
