2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Dana Philbin, Tolland Town Council

TOLLAND, CT — Dana Philbin is running for a council seat in Tolland.

Candidate's Name:
Dana Philbin

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education 4 year term

What town do you live in?
Tolland

Campaign Website
https://tollanddemocrats.org

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
I’m currently a Branch Manager for a Water Solutions company, bringing over 30 years of experience in operations and branch management. Throughout my career, I’ve held a variety of leadership roles across Branch Management, Operations, Safety, and Human Resources.

Family:
My husband, Jason, and I are proud parents of two amazing children, Mackenzie (13) and Graham (11). Both are active in school and sports, participating in a wide range of activities. They’re involved in Student Government, Invention Convention, Band, CCD, and Karate where they both have earned their Black Belts. In addition, they play soccer on multiple teams, including their middle school, town league, and premier club teams.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
NA

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I’ve served on the Board of Education since 2019, bringing over 6 years of dedicated involvement. During my tenure, I’ve held various leadership and committee roles, including Chair of the Policy Committee, and member of the Finance & Facilities, Communications, Negotiations and Birch Grove Building Committees.

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking re-election to the Board of Education so I can continue to serve and advocate for our students, staff, and schools. My involvement began during the Birch Grove crumbling foundation crisis, a pivotal moment that deeply impacted our community. After being elected to the Board, I dedicated the first two years of my term to the Birch Grove Building Committee, where I focused on the educational aspects of the new school and its role within the Tolland community.

Since then, I’ve worked diligently to support Tolland Public Schools and promote an equitable learning environment for all of our students, with a focus on the whole student. I believe that our school system is Tolland’s greatest asset, and I would be honored to continue contributing to its growth and success.

My goal is to help Tolland remain a strong, thriving community by supporting forward progress in education and beyond. I respectfully ask for your support as I seek the opportunity to continue this important work.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Currently, the most pressing issue facing the Town of Tolland is striking a balance between adequately funding our schools and minimizing the financial burden on taxpayers. I remain committed to advocating for a strong, responsible school budget that supports high-quality and equitable education for all students.

I will continue to work collaboratively with the Board of Education and the Town Council to explore alternative funding sources, resources, and revenue opportunities that can positively impact our budget while maintaining the excellence our schools are known for.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart from other candidates is my deep historical knowledge of Tolland Public Schools and my direct, hands-on experience within each of our schools. I’ve had the unique opportunity to engage with our district at multiple levels, as a volunteer, a parent, and a Board of Education member.

Over the past six years, I’ve been actively involved in six budget cycles and have served on key committees, including Negotiations and Finance & Facilities, both of which play a critical role in shaping our district’s financial priorities. Additionally, I’ve participated in numerous school rounds alongside staff and administrators, giving me firsthand insight into the core principles, culture, and daily operations of our schools.

This broad and consistent involvement enables me to make informed, balanced decisions that support our students, staff, and the long-term success of Tolland Public Schools.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Some of my core priorities include supporting the whole student by promoting equitable educational opportunities. I am committed to ensuring a strong balance of social, emotional, and academic support within the school system. Additionally, the safety of students, staff, and schools remains a top priority and must continue to be addressed on multiple levels.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have successfully collaborated and found common ground with three different Boards of Education, demonstrating a consistent ability to engage in challenging conversations both in boardrooms and committee meetings. My professional background has equipped me with the leadership and teamwork skills necessary to support and work alongside diverse teams to achieve shared goals. Through my commitment to my colleagues, volunteer work, and continued advocacy for Tolland Public Schools and the Town of Tolland, I have shown a deep dedication to driving positive progress within our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I’ve ever received was to always stay true to myself, have the courage and conviction to stand up for what I believe in, and strive to find common ground for the greater good.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would be greatly honored to continue to serve the Town of Tolland on the Board of Education. I will work tirelessly for our town, students, staff and schools.