Patch Candidate Profile: Joy Greenstein For Brookfield Board of Education

BROOKFIELD, 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:
Joy Greenstein

What office are you seeking?
Brookfield Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Brookfield

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Teacher, 25 years

Family:
Husband Matthew, Retired from the CT State Police. Now a full time professor in NY teaching criminal justice. Vanessa, 18, recent graduate of Brookfield HS, now a freshman at the University of Delaware. Mason, 16, junior at Brookfield High School

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served on the Brookfield Board of Education for the past 8 years.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking reelection because there is still so much more work to be done to get our schools from good to great! I want to continue being a fierce advocate for positive change. I truly believe I am the right person for the job! I have the skillset, work ethic and mindset for this position. I have proven that I am always ready to roll up my sleeves and get right to work.

I am not afraid to get in the weeds. I will ask questions and collaborate with fellow board members even if I am met with opposition or pushback. I can make sound decisions, even when emotions run high. Transparency and accountability is at the forefront of my thinking.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The most pressing issue is passing a budget that is not status quo budget. I intend to not be okay with rubber stamping a budget that is status quo. I intend to work toward enhancing and make our district better with new and innovative programs. We can do more with less and enhance our programs by being creative while being fiscally responsible. For example, offering more career pathways. We should be pushing Brookfield to be #1 in the state.

Equally as important will also be the hiring of our new Superintendent. I intend to look for a candidate that shares in this same vision and is ready to hit the ground running in order to make positive changes that will propel our District forward.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE! I have served on this Board for the past 8 years. I have served as Vice Chair, Secretary, Chair of CAPE, Chair of Facilities, and have served as a member of the Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Brookfield Education Foundation, Youth Commission, and Brookfield Cares. I put in countless hours a week preparing for meetings by reviewing agendas, minutes, and supporting documents. I’ve read, questioned, and helped to approve and modify hundreds of policies. I have been through 8 budget cycles and do work for months to ensure a fiscally responsible budget and account for every dollar pushed across the table. I have been involved in education for 25 years and this is critical as a board member. This is expertise that should not be dismissed or discounted and is essential and needed in the success of the BOE and our District.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Hiring the next superintendent who shares in our vision to move Brookfield forward. Expanding the curriculum by enhancing current programs and providing more creative offerings. Policy transparency at every level. Maintaining our commitment to class size guidelines. Raising expectations with rigorous, real-world academic content. Investing in meaningful, targeted professional development. Upholding parental rights and local values in decision-making. Ensuring the district remains accountable, student-focused and data driven. Ensuring community engagement and outreach.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I was involved and helped oversee, from its inception, the Candlewood Lake Elementary School project. As the Facilities Chair, I spearheaded the High School Boys Locker Room project and the removal of the outdoor portajohns and installation of our beautiful new bathrooms that are accessible to everyone from the outside at the High School. Also, as Facilities Chair, I oversaw the removal of the Huckleberry and Whisconier portables, and the much needed repairs such as the many sections of roofing, the Whisconier wall, bathroom upgrades, etc. As CAPE Chair, I oversaw many education initiatives such as Smithsonian Science and Illustrative Math. Each year, I have worked collaboratively with the administration to update the HS program of studies, graduation requirements, adoption of many new course textbooks, and block scheduling at BHS.

I was a part of the committee that reassessed the practicality and sustainability of the late start times at the High School. After extensive work, it was deemed as not meeting our district's needs. The late start times were having a negative impact on our student body by neglecting our students of their precious instructional time, so we adjusted the start times back.

I have served on many bargaining units contract negotiations. I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise since I have been on both sides of the table for over ten years.

Most important, I have held administrators accountable for school climate and demanded a strong look at test scores while upholding academic accountability.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Practice the Pause: Pause before judging, pause before assuming, pause before accusing, pause whenever you're about to react harshly and you’ll avoid doing and saying things you’ll later regret.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I entered this Board of Education journey in 2017, at a time in Brookfield when our schools were fractured financially and academically. I met with and worked very closely with, at the time, the new leadership team. A tremendous amount of work was needed to get our schools back on track. I was at the forefront of that work and I forged forward making positive change. All the children, parents, and families of Brookfield were my motivation and priority. I have worked tirelessly to turn our district around, and unfortunately, often at the expense of neglecting my own children and family. I never have nor do I now, have an agenda, other than to spark positive changes for our students, staff and families when it comes to education.