Patch Candidate Profile: Amy Fenollosa For Guilford Board Of Education

GUILFORD, 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 the town.

Candidate's Name:
Amy Fenollosa

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Guilford

Campaign Website
https://independentguilford.co...

Party Affiliation:
Independent Guilford

Occupation:
Leadership Faculty and Coach, 20+ years of experience

Family:
Yes, I'm the proud mom of two boys, Charlie is 21 and a senior studying Economics at Colby College in Maine. George is 19 and doing a gap year studying culture, anthropology and environmental science in Tanzania through NOLS.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I was appointed to the Guilford Board of Education in May 2024. I've been honored to serve the community since then and would love to continue my role.

Why are you seeking this office?
My children have benefited greatly from all that the Guilford Public Schools have to offer. Now that they've graduated from GHS, I'd like to give back. I want to ensure that all kids in Guilford have the opportunity to learn, grow and be supported in the exceptional schools we provide.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Cost of living is the most pressing issue facing our constituents. I understand that the cost of living has been increasing dramatically, both here and nationally. I'm proud that we passed our budget this year, despite the tough economic environment. Insurance costs are high, inflation is real, and we have been able to make fiscally responsible decisions to create a budget that meets the needs of our students and ensures high-quality education. I will continue to listen to our community and the school administrators to present a thoughtful budget that will maintain the high caliber of Guilford Public Schools and be cost-conscious.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I’m an educator, who has devoted my career to promoting learning, supporting growth, and fostering understanding among people. As an advocate for productive dialogue and open communication, I would be honored to listen to our community and reflect their perspectives as a member of the Guilford Board of Education

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
This year, we've been learning from the Technology in Education Advisory Group task force which explored the use of cell-phones in schools: the task force, made up of teachers, administrators, parents, students and Board of Ed members, presented comprehensive research and recommendations for our policy. In our next term, I'll strive to understand the implications of different policies and listen to our community to determine the best approach for Guilford.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Professionally, I collaborate every day. Some of my greatest learning opportunities come from co-teaching with my colleagues. Our different perspectives and range of experiences bring a richer, more nuanced perspective to the classroom. It requires humility and a sense of humor, and together, we're stronger than any of us would be on our own. I bring this same approach to working with my colleagues on the Board of Ed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best leaders start by listening. We can learn so much and come up with even better, more innovative solutions by listening empathetically to people with different perspectives.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
After living in this community for 15 years, I'm so grateful for all of the ways it has enriched my life. I'm eager to continue to give back to ensure our schools continue to provide exceptional learning for all of our students.