Branford Election 2021: Brett Joly Running For Board Of Education

BRANFORD, CT —The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Brett Joly, 53, is running for the Board of Education, a six-year term.

Occupation: Public School Teacher

Family: Married. Two children in Branford Public Schools.

Experience: None

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing our town is change at the Board of Education. I intend to be an agent of that change. I will be a voice for the parents and families in town and making sure that the Board communicates much better with families and is open and transparent on all levels.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

All the eight candidates running for Board of Education in Branford would do an excellent job and are highly respected and well-rounded individuals. However, my motivation is a deep-seated drive to be the agent of change at the BOE. I will ensure that parents are heard and that the Board is much more transparent and communicates with the community. For example, I am part of a team that took the groundbreaking step of creating and maintaining a Facebook page to reach out to the community. I am a public school teacher in North Haven, my wife teaches in New Haven, my children go to school in Branford, and I have friends that teach in North Branford. I have boots on the ground in four school districts, which gives me a unique perspective. I also have the academic training from two master's degrees, and real-world experience from having lived in Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and California, and that enrich my vision.

Accomplishments:

I have lived and studied out of state and in foreign countries long-term, including in Europe and Latin America. I hold a CT teaching credential and endorsements in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Latin, and Social Studies. I hold a Master's Degree from the School for International Training and another from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I have volunteered and working in shelters for the un-housed in Hartford and at an orphanage in Tijuana, and Mexico among many other volunteer positions. I am a person who shows up for the job and makes sure it gets done.

Other issues:

Change, communication, transparency, listening to parent voices, inclusion, celebrating our diverse society, and keeping the schools open for in-person instruction, safely, and by following the guidelines.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

If I am elected I promise to listen. I will make sure all parties feel heard and, including everyone who works for the school district and residents of the town who pay taxes.