Patch Candidate Profile: Sarah Devine, Brookfield Board of Education

BROOKFIELD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Brookfield and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Brookfield Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Sarah Devine, 47, is running for a seat on the Brookfield Board of Education.

Education.

B.S. - mathematics; M.A. - Curriculum & Instruction

What is your occupation?

NFMS math teacher (9th year)

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Three children (ages 21, 18, & 16)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Brookfield Youth Commission advisor (2018-2020); BRTC member (2018-present); BRTC secretary (2020-2022)

Why are you seeking this office?

I have devoted much of my adult life to working in the educational field in various capacities. I want to use my expertise to best support the students in the town I love and in which I have raised my three children.

Please complete this statement: 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 doing what is necessary to meet the needs of all students. I intend to facilitate productive conversations between administration, special education & regular education staff, and families, in order to come up with sound policies (either new ones or by revisiting and analyzing current ones); beneficial school-wide initiatives that are followed through with fidelity; and continual open lines of communication in order to best support our students. Their success should be our number one priority and we need all hands on deck to accomplish this crucial goal.

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

I am not driven by ego or in order to make a name for myself. My priority is the students and working tirelessly to support them.

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

As a volunteer BBSA coach, BBA statistician, Youth Committee advisor, BRTC member and officer, and as a math tutor and teacher, I have demonstrated an ability to work well with just about anyone as well as work tirelessly to support children. I am the reigning NFMS Teacher of the Year.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My parents, who are both lifelong educators, always told me to be true to myself and my children have reminded me to not compromise my standards.

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

An eternal optimist & an open book, I would love to talk to anyone about his/her hopes, concerns or questions. Regardless of political affiliation, we need to come together for the sake of the children & the schools. It’s always a great day to be a Bobcat!