Patch Candidate Profile: Todd Johnston For Region 9 Board of Education

EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Todd Johnston

What office are you seeking?
Region 9 Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Easton

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Consultant

Family:
My wife, Joelle, and I have called Easton home since 2008. We’re proud parents of four wonderful kids — Gabrielle, Matthew, Nathan, and Zachary — all of whom have grown up in the Easton public schools. Nathan and Zachary are currently students at Joel Barlow High School.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Region 9 Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking re-election to the Region 9 Board of Education because I am deeply committed to providing the highest quality education for the students of Easton and Redding. Over the years, I have worked to guide our district through times of both challenge and opportunity, always with a focus on student success and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. With strong administrative leadership now in place, I believe we are at an exciting moment to significantly improve academic outcomes while maintaining the fiscal responsibility our community expects.

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 our community is improving student academic achievement, especially test performance, to ensure every student is prepared for success in college, careers, and beyond. To address this, I will continue to partner closely with Joel Barlow High School’s administration, faculty, and the new Central Office leadership team. Together, we will strengthen academic programs, improve communication between students and teachers, and provide the resources needed to raise overall success while balancing the needs of both special education and general education students

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My 14 years of experience serving on the Region 9 Board of Education — including holding every committee role and serving twice as Chair — uniquely position me to lead effectively from day one. I bring a proven record of steady leadership, deep knowledge of our district’s history and challenges, and a record of working collaboratively to deliver results. My focus has always been on students first while maintaining the trust of the community through thoughtful and balanced decision-making. This combination of experience and student-centered leadership sets me apart.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Beyond improving student performance, I will focus on several key priorities:
- Balanced Spending: Ensuring equitable allocation of resources between special education and general education so that all students receive the support they need.
- Capital Improvements: Directing investments toward modernizing classrooms, particularly in STEM and the arts, and refreshing building facilities after years of significant improvements to athletic venues.
- Support for Teachers and Leadership: Strengthening partnerships with educators and district leadership to foster a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
During my tenure, I have helped guide our district through both challenging and transformative periods. I have served on every committee, held multiple officer roles, and led the Board twice as Chair. These experiences have honed my ability to lead collaboratively, solve complex problems, and drive progress. Outside of my Board service, I have over 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles at Slalom, PwC, and Accenture — leading technology strategy and large-scale transformations for Fortune 500 companies — which underscores my capacity for strategic thinking, fiscal responsibility, and delivering results in complex environments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I have ever received is to listen first, then lead. Taking the time to understand different perspectives and build consensus leads to better decisions and stronger outcomes — especially when serving a diverse community.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am proud of the progress we have made in Region 9, but I believe our best days are ahead. With the current administrative leadership now in place, we have an extraordinary opportunity to improve student performance, modernize our classrooms, and maintain fiscal responsibility. My wife, Joelle, and I are raising our four children here in Easton, and like all parents, I want our schools to provide the absolute best education possible. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that happens, always putting students first and our community’s trust at the forefront of every decision.