Patch Candidate Profile: Susan Glennon, Milford Board of Education

MILFORD, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Milford, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Milford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Susan Glennon is running for a seat on the Board of Education in Milford to represent the 2nd District as a Democratic Candidate.

Education

SCSU Art major with credentials in early childhood education.

What is your occupation?

Licensed early childhood professional for 30 years.

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

I have 3 grown children, all educated in Milford Public Schools, and 8 grandchildren, some of whom do or will attend our schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

I serve on the Milford Board of Education and am its current Chair.

Why are you seeking this office?

During my tenure on the board I have supported many initiatives that I believe have enhanced the experiences of our students. Those I am most proud of include:

• The return to a more whole child/play based learning approach for our youngest learners
• The addition of dedicated Science/STEM labs and STEM teachers in elementary school
• The addition of World Language in elementary school so that Milford is now one of only a few districts in CT to offer a PreK-12 World Language program
• Career pathways for grades 6-12
• Supporting student well-being with additional school counselors

I have always believed the Milford community cares deeply about its children and it's important to me to give back to the community I love. I am seeking another term to continue these ongoing efforts to make Milford Public Schools the best it can be.

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

I see that we have two major pressing needs in our schools. Our children are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Reading gaps must be addressed with urgency and I do believe Connecticut's emphasis on a return to phonics based instruction will help. However, the state mandate that we implement costly state-approved programs is misguided. Milford teachers traditionally write our curriculum and select the instructional materials that will work best for us. Our educators know what our kids need, and should be allowed to make those decisions. I will continue to advocate for this local control.

The second challenge is funding our schools in this inflationary economic time and balancing the needs of staff and students with the needs of the city. Schools rely on humans. A school budget is typically more than 75% salaries and benefits. Other contractual obligations comprise another large chunk - buses, utilities, etc. Everything is more expensive and there is little discretionary spending in our budget. I supported recent conversations within the Milford community to gauge the perspectives of others on what we want for our schools. I hope this information will help inform future decisions on how to prioritize the district’s needs going forward. Our employees are our most valuable asset and our young people are our most previous priority. I will continue to work with the superintendent and my fellow board members to look for efficiencies and to identify and fund the items that reflect the needs of the district and will have the greatest impact on student learning.

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

My experience. My children were students in Milford Public Schools for close to 20 years, attending Meadowside, Harborside and Jonathan Law. During that time I served in many capacities as a parent/PTA leader and served on the Connecticut PTA Board of Directors for 6 years. In my personal career I have worked with young children for 30 years. I have served on the Board of Education since 2011 and have been its chair since 2013. My life’s work has been to advocate for children. I appreciate the important role of a parent as a child's first teacher and I understand the complex role of a board member as a representative of the community and as an agent of the state responsible to carry out Connecticut’s statutes and regulations that pertain to public education.

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

I believe Milford schools are moving in a positive direction and I want to see that continue. Patch recently published the 2024 Niche rankings naming Milford the 29th best district in the state - up from 75th in 2017. Families with young children are moving to Milford because of our schools. I hear this every day in my business. For the past 4 years elementary enrollment, especially in kindergarten, has been higher than projected. I am proud to have had a small role in our district's success.

However, our young people continue to feel the effects of the pandemic in many ways. We must meet their needs both emotionally and academically. We must also acknowledge that the world is rapidly changing. Innovation is essential to ensure our young adults are ready for the world they will graduate into. Teachers must be supported as they shift instructional practices to accelerate student learning and as they undertake new ways to reach our learners. We must continue to support the mental health of both students and staff so that both can bring their best selves to school each day. If re-elected to the Board I will continue to be a collaborative partner with my colleagues and the superintendent to keep our schools moving forward and I will always keep the well-being, growth and success of our young people as the center of my focus.

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

I successfully run a small business. I have served as the Board’s chair since 2013. I’ve navigated several challenging situations during that time and maintain a collaborative relationship with other members of the board. 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. I believe I am uniquely qualified to handle this role.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To trust my instincts.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am highly vested in my community and am an avid supporter of public education. I have 5 grandchildren who reside in Milford and currently attend or will attend our schools and I want to ensure they have the best education we can provide. A strong, student-centered school system benefits everyone and we have a profound responsibility to address the needs of all of our learners. I would be honored to serve another term on the board.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

milfordctdems.com.