TEAM DAN!
Candidates for Board of Education
Vivek Purohit
GREAT SCHOOLS, GREAT VALUE
Vivek Purohit currently serves on the Board of Education, bringing a scientist’s eye for detail, a commitment to objective decision-making, and a passion for student success. He holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo and works professionally as a Drug Development Scientist.
Vivek believes East Lyme School are among the best in the State, yet sees opportunities to further support growth and development, particularly for middle and high school students. His son, a proud Class of 2023 graduate, benefited greatly from East Lyme’s excellent schools. Before joining the Board of Education, Vivek served on the 2022 Charter Revision Commission, where he worked to strengthen local governance and ensure the community’s voice is heard.
Steve Luber
Steve Luber has been a teacher and administrator in higher education for over 20 years. He holds a PhD in Theater from the City University of New York, and currently serves as Acting Director of the Ammerman Center for Arts & Technology at Connecticut College, where his work focuses on new technologies, performance, and history.
Steve and his family moved to East Lyme in 2019 to be part of a vibrant community that values education and the arts, and both of his children attend Niantic Center School. He is a strong advocate for academic freedom, fair teacher and staff compensation, and diversity, supporting these principles through programming, curriculum, and community services. Steve serves on the Board of the East Lyme Library and can often be found exploring local bookstores or enjoying coffee at Main Street establishments.
Bill Derry
Bill Derry has served on the Board of Education since 2015. He is an award-winning technology education teacher at Lyme-Old Lyme High School with 40 years of experience in education. Bill has mentored the school’s FIRST Robotics team for 27 years and established a cooperative FIRST Robotics program between Old Lyme & East Lyme in 2017.
On the Board of Education, Bill has been instrumental in setting goals to foster a positive climate and culture, and he currently co-chairs the Culture and Climate District Committee. Bill believes that excellence in education occurs when engaged parents and community members support talented teachers who have the resources to provide high-quality learning experiences. His commitment to student success and his expertise in best educational practices make him a valuable member of the Board.
Bill has lived in Niantic for over 30 years, and with his wife Kathleen, raised two children, Jack and Liza. He and Kathleen remain grateful for the East Lyme community and the education their children received.