2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Megan Johnson, Ellington Board Of Education

ELLINGTON, CT — Megan Johnson is running for a school board seat in Ellington.

Candidate's Name:
Megan Johnson

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Ellington

Campaign Website
https://www.facebook.com/megan...

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Senior Editor for a travel website for over 15 years

Family:
I live with my husband, Logan, and two children. Sheppard is in first grade, and Fiadh is in pre-k.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My husband is on the Board of Finance in Ellington.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Although I have not held public office, I have been actively involved in local politics for many years behind the scenes as a volunteer. I helped run a successful campaign for a State Representative in Massachusetts. I served as secretary on the Hartford Foundation Greater Together Community Funds Board for five years.

Why are you seeking this office?
My husband and I chose Ellington because of its strong reputation for excellent schools. With two children currently enrolled in the district, I’ve experienced firsthand both the strengths and the challenges in our school system. While I value the dedication of our teachers and staff, I believe our schools are not reaching their full potential. Talking with parents at school, it has become evident that voters want to see some changes within the school system.

Ellington families deserve schools that are run responsibly, transparently, and always with the best interests of students at heart. I’m running because I believe parents, taxpayers, and educators need a stronger voice working together to improve outcomes for all children.

I’m committed to listening, asking tough questions, and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen our schools, support our teachers, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

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 how the Board of Education spends money, and how clearly that’s explained, while maintaining high-quality education and reasonable taxes. I will ensure every education dollar is clear, accounted for, and focused on students first.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have two small children just starting their Ellington school journey, and therefore, I have a deeply vested interest in every decision made by the Board of Education. I know what it is like to be raising children right now, with issues like technology and the safety of children in schools. A firsthand voice like that is imperative to creating common-sense policies.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Accountability, transparency, bullying prevention, and supporting parents and teachers. We also need to strike a balance between the use of technology/AI and developing critical, creative, and emotional thinking skills, which are essential for cultivating the fundamentals necessary for being a good, hardworking, and kind human.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My past accomplishments as an activist, including working on campaigns and volunteering with the Windermere PTO, provide a unique blend of skills not typically found on the Board of Education. I can be a loud voice while voicing the concerns of parents, students, and educators themselves, who in the past have often gone unheard or ignored by those without firsthand experience. I am at school every morning and afternoon, observing and hearing about the experiences of students, parents, and teachers. I can be a present voice for students' families and bring their concerns forward.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
While it isn't a single piece of advice, my parents raised me to show compassion and kindness to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they believe, who they love, or what they look like. They taught me to listen to everyone, and that everyone has a story, and while it may be different from my story, it is just as important.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am originally from Massachusetts, where local politics are not partisan, and I genuinely believe that is how it should be everywhere. Local politics are more important now than ever before, and people need to see beyond party lines and vote for new, fresh voices. My positions on hot-topic national issues have no bearing on my decisions or actions regarding the children of Ellington, the allocation of taxpayer funds, or my level of support for teachers. I am not afraid to speak up, voice my opinion when I believe something is wrong, and to fight for students, parents, and teachers.