Brookfield Candidate Profile: Colette Sturm For School Board

BROOKFIELD, CT — Brookfield's election season is heating and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to get their name on the ballot for the city's municipal election. One of those contested races is the race for the Board of Education.

Brookfield Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Colette Sturm, 54, is running for re-election to the Board of Education. She is an unaffiliated candidate, appearing on the Democratic ballot.

Are you running for office in Brookfield? Contact Brian McCready at brian.mccready@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Brookfield Patch.

Family: *

My husband Dan and I have lived in Brookfield for 15 years, and have raised our two children here. Our son, Andrew, and daughter, Verity are BHS graduates. Andrew is a recent college graduate and Verity is entering her senior year of college.

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

This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No

Education: *

Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy from Indiana University

Occupation: *

Community/Public Service

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

I was elected to the Board of Education in 2015 and elected Chair of the BOE in 2017.

Campaign Website: *

www.brookfielddemocrats.org

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. *

The most important issue in the Brookfield Public School District is the building of our new elementary school, while continuing the progress in providing the resources necessary to ensure all of our students reach their full potential. If re-elected I look forward to continuing the work to complete our new school project, keeping our students’ needs as primary focus. My goal is to ensure that all educational offerings, from special education services to enrichment programs, provide Brookfield students the best opportunities to maximize potential and success.

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

I believe that I have the experience necessary for the Board of Education role. I have served on the Board of Education for the past four years, the last two as Chair. I have also been significantly involved in the Brookfield Education Foundation for the last 12 years, serving as President of the Board from 2009-2015. These opportunities have provided me with the experience in leadership, collaboration, and communication that the BOE position demands.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

- Shepherd the New School Project through the design and construction process, keeping in mind the primary focus of promoting an optimal learning environment for all of our students.

· Ensure that every student is challenged with a curriculum that encompasses STEM, humanities, arts, technology, civics, and social emotional learning.

· Continue to maintain an open, honest, and responsive dialogue with town boards and the community regarding fiscal accountability and transparency.

· A commitment to provide the tools, resources, opportunities, and environment that propel every child to reach their full potential.

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

I have served on the Board of Education for 4 years, the last two as Chairman of the board. During these four years, I have served on the Communications, Curriculum Assessment, Personnel, Finance, Security Task Force, and Start Times committees. I have additionally been significantly involved with the New School Project, helping lead it to a successful referendum and continuing the work to ensure its path forward to a projected occupancy in 2022. I believe that the leadership capacity, collaborative team building, operative organization, and community communications demonstrated during my tenure on the board will allow me to continue to successfully serve on the Board of Education.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Do what is right. Always do what is right, even if it is the uncomfortable or unpopular choice.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am convinced that communities are strongest and most vital when all members are invested in improving that community in whatever capacity they are able. I believe that at present I have the significant time, energy, and experience necessary to continue to contribute in promoting the excellence of our Brookfield schools and community.