CT Patch Candidate Profile: Susan Glennon For Milford Board Of Education

MILFORD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Susan Glennon, a Democrat, is a Milford resident running for Board of Education in the 2nd District.

Occupation:

I am a licensed early childhood professional

Family:
I have three grown children and six grandchildren

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I currently serve on the Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking re-election to the Board of Education to continue the progress we have seen over the past several years. I want children to be happy, to love school, and to be their best selves so they are ready to learn. Towards that goal, I have supported many initiatives over the years that I believe have enhanced student experiences. Those I am most proud of include the redesign of school for our youngest learners to return to more whole child/play based learning approach, the addition of World Language and dedicated STEM labs in elementary school, career pathways for grades 6-12 and increased access to school counseling services K-12 to ensure support for students’ well-being.

I believe in giving back to the community I love. I am seeking another term with a commitment to continuing our collective efforts to further strengthen our schools.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Educating kids is complex and costs keep rising, for everyone. It is imperative that we stay on top of the ever-changing landscape of teaching and learning. At the same time, balancing student and city needs is challenging. Most of our budget goes to salaries, benefits, and other contractual obligations, leaving little discretionary spending. I hope the Board’s development of a long-range facilities master plan will create efficiencies to manage costs while allowing us to offer more opportunities for our kids. I look forward to further community input about our school facilities, which will help inform decisions on prioritizing the district’s future needs.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My experience. My life's work centers on young children. My own children spent nearly 20 years in Milford Public Schools, where I served as a PTA leader at both local and state levels. I have been on the Board of Education since 2011 and chair since 2013. I understand my dual role as both a community representative and an agent of the state, responsible for implementing Connecticut's education laws and regulations.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
We have seen double-digit gains on state test scores over the past two years - grade 3 math up 27 points, grade 4 math up 20 points, and both grades’ language arts scores up 13 points. Milford Public Schools was recently ranked the 29th best district in Connecticut with our high schools in the top 50 statewide. I am incredibly proud of what our students and staff have accomplished. Our approach is working, and I want to build on this success.

We must also continue to meet the emotional needs of our students and acknowledge that the world our young adults will graduate into will be vastly different than it is today. Teachers must be supported as they shift instructional practices and leverage emerging technology, like AI, to reach all learners. Beyond our strong AP offerings, we should expand on current career pathways, trade programs, and industry certifications to serve students pursuing diverse futures—whether college, trades, military, or workforce entry.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have successfully run a small business for over 30 years. I have served as the Board’s chair since 2013. During my time on the Board I’ve navigated several challenging situations, and I believe I’ve built a collaborative relationship with my fellow board members. I have taken the initiative to participate in continuing education through the Board’s professional organization that has earned me the designation of Certificated Board of Education Member.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
During challenging times, my sister always reminds me that “this too shall pass,” with the advice to be me; to stay aligned with my core values with integrity and authenticity, even when external pressures push me in other directions. This advice has helped me be a more resilient person.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want to ensure we provide the best education possible for the young people of Milford. That includes four of my grandchildren who reside here and will attend Milford Public Schools. Working alongside my colleagues and the superintendent, I will ensure our school system continues to grow and thrive while advancing relevant 21st-century teaching and learning for all students.

As someone deeply invested in our community, I believe a strong school system benefits everyone, and we have a profound responsibility to address every student's needs. I would be honored to serve another term on the board.