Patch Candidate Profile: Kerry Martens, Board of Education

EAST HAVEN, CT —The 2023 municipal election is heating up in East Haven and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

East Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Kerry Martens, 41, of East Haven, is running for a seat on the Board of Education.

Education.

M.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Science from University of Illinois, M.P.S., Learning, Teaching, and Social Policy and B.S. in Agricultural Education both from Cornell University.

What is your occupation?

Currently, a Science Teacher in the New Haven Public School system. Approximately 17 years in both private and public school systems. Also have written curriculum at the university, high school, and elementary school levels. Authored two articles, one of which is in a peer reviewed journal.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

No

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I currently serve on the Town of East Haven's Inland Wetland's Commission. Past Vice Chairman of Town of East Haven American Disabilities Act Commission 2008-2014.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Our children are our town's future. Our schools are underperforming. We need to improve academic performance and graduation rate for our students. Student test scores need to be improved especially in the areas of math, English, and science. Policies and procedures need to be in place to aid in more communication between the schools and families especially for those students struggling in attendance and academics. Chronic absenteeism is a major concern in our town. Policies and procedures need to be put in place to ensure fiscal responsibility and restraint.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the academic success of our students, and we need to improve upon this. We need to get to the bottom of why ~20% of our students are chronically absent. We need to improve upon our graduation rate since ~20% of our students do not meet this milestone on time. These numbers drastically need improvement. Our state testing is not where it should be which shows gaps in our educational system that need fixing and remediation. Policies need to be in place to aid these academically struggling students to assist them in succeeding. We need to fund our teachers and students so they have the tools to aid them in succeeding and improve in our state testing.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a teacher and understand today's struggles in education. I am also not afraid to question line items in spending to advocate for what is best academically for our students.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

It is time for a change. Some have been on the board for years, and new viewpoints are needed.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Our students also need more work study experiences, especially during the summer. I have read great things about our wood working class in the high school. These life skills help not only future homeowners, but can lead to career paths. Look at the hourly rate plumbers, electricians, and general contractors are getting in our area, even if we offer overview classes in these areas we are aiding students in possible successful career paths in today's workforce. AP classes and college co-op classes allow students chances to gain college credit while at the high school level. Opportunities such as these need to be expanded.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Being in the educational field as a teacher with experience in curriculum development for over 15+ years, I know the struggles in education. I know the vital roles families' play in academic success of our students. These school to family bonds, especially after Covid, need to be encouraged and nurtured especially in the area of absenteeism.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My grandfather used to say whatever does not kill you makes you stronger. I have often thought of this while pursuing an education and putting in long hours in teaching.