Candidate for Board of Education | 2021
I am running for my second term on the Board of Education. I have been an active member of the Board since December 2017, and have served as Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee and a member of the Communications Subcommittee. I think that the value of education is immeasurable, that diversity drives innovation, and that every student counts.
I have lived in Killingworth for 22 years and both my children have benefitted from the excellent RSD17 school system; my son was HK class of ’19, and my daughter is an HK senior. I am a graduate of the public school system in New Hampshire – I have a PhD in chemistry and have worked in the pharmaceutical industry primarily on development of new cancer medications since I moved to Connecticut in 1994. I enjoy the outdoors, and have been a Cub/Boy Scout and Girl Scout Leader for many years. I also serve on the Killingworth Charter Revision Commission.
This fall, my focus will be to work with the Board and district administration on welcoming students and staff back to school safely, addressing the COVID-related learning gaps, and the impact of the pandemic on the social and emotional health of our school community.
We are excited to welcome our new superintendent, Jeffrey Wihbey, and I am looking forward to working with him to continue on the path of excellence at RSD17.
Other work that requires the focus of the Board is implementation of the newly established Vision of the Graduate into a Strategic Plan, completing a facilities assessment, and supporting the promotion of equity, mutual respect, and empathy in our schools.
I am pleased to have been part of such an effective Board, and hope to continue my work for another term.
Candidate Q&A
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have lived in Killingworth for 22 years and raised my two children here. My son is a 2019 HK grad and my daughter an HK senior. I moved to Connecticut in 1994, after earning my PhD in chemistry, to work in the pharmaceutical industry primarily developing new cancer medications. I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire with a rural school district much like HK. My mother is a retired high school science teacher. I enjoy the outdoors, and have been a Cub/Boy Scout and Girl Scout Leader for many years. I also serve on the Killingworth Charter Revision Commission.
Why are you running for the position?
I am running for a second BoE term because I think the value of education is immeasurable, and want to give back to the public education system that has given me so much. I have truly enjoyed my four years on the Board, and look forward to continuing that work.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Certainly, the effect of the pandemic to our student’s academic performance as well as the social and emotional wellness of our entire school system is an immediate focus. I am also excited to welcome our new superintendent. Other crucial work includes our Strategic Plan, facilities maintenance and promoting equity and mutual respect in our schools.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
I love the rural character of our town. I love that it is run primarily by volunteers. I love that neighbors help neighbors. I love that when I brought my 4th grade Girl Scout troop to a town meeting, meeting moderator Rick Albrecht invited them to come to the front of the room and lead the townspeople in the Pledge of Allegiance; they were thrilled.
Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
I think that the value of education is immeasurable, that diversity drives innovation, and that every student counts.
Killingworth Democratic Town Committee 