2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Ann Grosjean, Board of Education, Willington

WILLINGTON, CT — Ann Grosjean is running for a board of education seat in Willington.

Candidate's Name:
Ann Grosjean

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Willington

Campaign Website
https://willingtondemocrats.or...

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Retired teacher for 35 years

Family:
My husband, Brian and I have four adult children: Melissia is 40, Matthew is 37, Laura is 34, and Christa is 31. Laura and Christa both attended Willington Public Schools from grades K-8. We have three grandchildren who live with us: Angelina is 14, Kayden is 11 and Makaela is 8. They all attend(ed) the Willington schools.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served on the Willington Board of Education for the past twelve years.

Why are you seeking this office?
Since my retirement from teaching fifteen years ago, I have looked for opportunities to share my experience with my community. I have volunteered in many classrooms; taught refugee families English; sat on CACTPS, a state advisory committee - CT Advisory Council for Teacher Professional Standards; teach Sunday School; and served for twelve years on the Willington Board of Education. I also served on the Willington School Building Committee. I have a BS, MA and PhD in education. I have an excellent understanding of the many aspects of education and feel I have a lot to contribute. Since my grandchildren still attend the Willington elementary and middle schools, I am involved with the schools and the PTA.

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 to provide the children of Willington with the best education at a cost the taxpayers can afford. Our superintendent has made many creative approaches to cost savings- the principals do not work all summer and their salaries are therefore less. He applies for many grants and partners with the town to share IT services. The board is also working to improve student achievement by supporting the writing of new curricula, professional development for teachers and monitoring student data. Our challenge now is that one school is over one hundred and the other is over seventy years old and are in constant need of repair - with parts often not available anymore! We have an offer from the state for a 79.6 percent reimbursement for a new or renovated (Hall) Pre-K to 8 school. It will be in the hands of a school building committee soon but will continue to be supported by the BOE. This will greatly improve our education program to have a state of the art school for our children and community and this generous reimbursement rate from the state will make it more affordable. I hope residents will stay informed as they should have the opportunity to vote on this proposal in 2026.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I feel that we should put the children first in all of the decisions that we make. Smaller class sizes, engaging curricula, extra help and enrichment for students that need it and opportunities for social and emotional well being are just a few examples. Other candidates might suggest larger class sizes, fewer teachers, and fewer resources as ways to save money.

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

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In my twelve years on the Willington Board of Education, I have served on the negotiations, policy, and school building committee. I have served on the hiring committee for many administrators. I have also served as Vice-Chair. I see the big picture now and understand how all of the parts work together to make a school district operate smoothly. CABE, the CT Association of Boards of Education, has provided me with the opportunity to attend many training sessions and conferences. Most of all, I really enjoy applying my knowledge and experience to collaborate with others to create wonderful schools and community!

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
When you attend the initial CABE BOE member training, they suggest the most important thing you can do is listen - to your constituents, other members, the superintendent and presentations by the administrators and the staff.

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