Patch Candidate Profile: Isaak Aronson For Board of Education

BRANFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Isaak Aronson

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education Member

What town do you live in?
Branford, CT

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
CEO & Founder of SmartStart Education for 19 years

Family:
I am married with a 16-year-old daughter and 14 year-old son

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
This is my first time seeking public office.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for board of education to bring my knowledge of teacher and learning and experience in education to the town I have called home since 2009.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
ensuring the students feel safe and empowered to learn in Branford schools. A school should be a place where curiosity thrives, where every student has a pathway towards success, and where families know their children are cared for. I will strengthen school safety measures, prioritize mental health and well-being, empower teachers and administrators, foster a culture of respect and belonging, and engage families and other community members.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am an immigrant for whom education provided a pathway to the American Dream. Also, I am a CEO of an educational services company. Through this role, I have worked with dozens of school boards across the US.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I will address cell phone use in school, school construction, Sliney School, Walsh fields, bullying and overall school culture.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am a former chemistry and physics teacher, former professor, and hold a PhD in Education Policy and Leadership. 19 years ago, I founded a tutoring company in New Haven that I have grown to a nationwide educational staffing firm operating in 15 states, 100s of school districts, and over 1000 schools.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Life is long. Don't make any rash decisions that don't take the future into account.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am a coalition and consensus builder. I believe that it takes a team to accomplish big things. I first build trust and community and then use that social capital to enact change.