Patch Candidate Profile: Lou Daniels, Canton Board of Education

CANTON, CT — Canton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Lou Daniels is running for Canton Board of Education as a Democrat.

The following is Daniels' questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Lou Daniels

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Canton

What office are you seeking?

Re-election for the Canton Board of Education

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Providence College, BS Business Administration; Holy Apostles College completing MA in Theology May 2024

What is your occupation?

CEO, Call A Doctor Plus, a national telehealth company; Prior EVP Willis/Towers; 40-year insurance/benefits executive

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

I am a 38-year resident of Canton. Our four children attended Canton schools K-12. Today, I have four grandchildren attending Canton schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

I am currently the chair of the Canton Board of Education since 2021. I was honored and privileged to serve on the Canton Board of Selectman for 10 years. I previously served on the Canton Board of Education from 2006-2012, also as chair. Park & Recreation, Chair; Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), Board member; Canton Education Foundation, president, and a past president of Dollars for Scholars.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election to the CantonBoard of Education to continue our work in improving student achievement, maintaining the safety of our students and staff, and providing financial expertise to our budgeting process.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Developing and operating a budget that meets the needs of our students and teachers, which is affordable to our taxpayers. We can work with our unions to create mutually acceptable long-term contracts and institute long-term planning to smooth out the challenges of the budget process. Finally, develop short-term and long-term capital improvement budgets to better maintain our infrastructure and buildings, both now and in the future.

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

I am a 38-year resident who has served on multiple town boards and commissions and understands how to collaborate with the other boards and state legislatures to get things done. I have the most experience, expertise and knowledge of any candidate running for office, with a published track record of success.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

1. Space at Cherry Brook Primary School and our need for portable classrooms. 2. The financial workings of the BOE and how every dollar is accounted for. 3. Our plan for improving academic achievement.

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

1. A successful search for and the onboarding of a new superintendent. 2. Implementing the Thrive Program will save our taxpayers thousands of dollars while keeping our special needs children in Canton and not bused to other towns. 3. Effective changes and additions to CBPS to provide a better learning experience for students and improve staff morale. 4. Building safety improvements and overall building appearance.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

When I first came on the board, a retiring superintendent said, "Remember to prioritize the best interests of students above all else. As a board member, advocate for quality education and create an inclusive and supportive learning environment." I have kept that advice with me at every meeting.

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

The Board of Education's role is NOT to run the schools but to make sure the schools are run well. The current nine-member board is highly dedicated and committed to that mission. I ask for your vote, but I also ask you to re-elect and return the other incumbents, Joe Scheideler, our policy chair; Erika Hayes, our curriculum chair; and Kim Sullivan, our Board secretary. Under our new Superintendent, Dr. Jordan Grossman, we will work to make Canton's School District the best of the best! Thank you.