South Windsor Candidate Profile: Kenna Kimber, Board Of Education

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in South Windsor, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Name: Kenna Kimber

How old will you be as of Election Day? 56

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

https://www.facebook.com/Kenna...

What city or town do you live in? South Windsor

What office are you seeking? Board of Education

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Degree in Business Communications

What is your occupation? Community Volunteer

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

Danielle - SWHS, 2006; UConn, 2010 - Certified Public Accountant
Tekhara - SWHS, 2008; Boston University, 2011; Boston University Law School, 2014 - Attorney
Addie - SWHS, 2016; UConn, 2020; Presently Attending Harvard University - Previously worked as a Research Assistant at Yale University for Veteran's Affairs.
William - SWHS Student, will be graduating in 2024

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

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? No

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?

I am asking for your vote to be a member of the South Windsor Board of Education because I would like each and every child to have an opportunity to succeed and have a bright future. I am passionate about learning and personal growth and have a fervent belief in the importance and transformative power of a high-quality education, and how it impacts not only the student, but the family as well.

Every student deserves an education that propels them towards their fullest potential. I am committed to advocating for South Windsor students, actively listening to parents, educators, and administration, providing tools, training, and resources for our educators, delivering excellence for our schools, and being fiscally responsible for our residents. We need to work together as a community for the benefit of our children and their education and for future generations. Our children are our future.

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

South Windsor is facing unparalleled growth at this time and this needs to be addressed by the school and the community. I believe by being fiscally responsible and working together we can come up with solutions for the education, programs, and the infrastructure needed for this unprecedented growth.

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

I have fresh, new, and creative ideas. I am a mom of four and grandmother of five and have witnessed firsthand how decisions impact our children's education. I have celebrated successes, navigated through challenges, and gained invaluable lessons over the three decades my children have attended schools. I know the importance of giving parents a voice, advocating for students, providing teachers and staff with the training and support systems they need to be effective, while continuing to support the Superintendent, Dr. Kate Carter, and her administrative staff.

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

I do not believe a current officeholder has failed the community. I know that for me, once I am on the Board of Education, I will commit to:

* Actively listen and represent the voices of parents,
ensuring their concerns are heard and recognized.
* Advocate for the needs of our children and be
wholeheartedly committed to their education.
* Empower and support our teachers with the tools,
training, and resources they need to ensure every
student has the opportunity to reach their fullest
potential.
* Offer creative forward-thinking ideas and work
collaboratively with all stakeholders.
* Seek funding opportunities, including grants and
external resources for our schools.

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

I aim to maximize every taxpayer dollar with a commitment to fiscal responsibility. It is important to ensure we continue to offer services for each and every student to have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. I will seek out grants and external resources that are available to assist with this purpose.

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

Through the years, I have served in many volunteer leadership positions and understand the innerworkings of school systems. In the roles of President of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) at South Windsor High School and President of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Philip R. Smith Elementary School, I have been in the school successfully working with parents, teachers, staff, and administrators, bringing them together to create a welcoming and thriving educational environment.

From its inception, I worked with the school administration on the Ten-Year Elementary School Plan and helped with its success. Also, under my leadership, The PRS PTO created the Tiger Tracks Jog-a-thon, and it is still going strong today- this year they raised over $30,000. Since then, I have consulted with other schools to replicate.

I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding of our educational system from my experience working with all stakeholders, for the benefit of South Windsor students. Together we can ensure our schools and students continue to flourish.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To always be kind, you never know what another person may be going through.

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

I care about your child and their education. As parents, we want our children to have opportunities to succeed. We want them to grow up prepared for the world by receiving an outstanding education and to build lifelong friendships along the way. It all starts with the school they attend. We must ensure that South Windsor schools equips them with the tools and education to reach their highest potential, imparts knowledge to navigate life successfully, and allows them to make friends who will be there for them on their journey.

Put me to work for South Windsor. I am Kenna Kimber, and I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 7th!!