2023 Darien Election Profile: Sara Parent For Board Of Education

DARIEN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 7 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Darien.

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

Name

Sara Parent

How old will you be as of Election Day?

46

What city or town do you live in?

Darien, CT

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

MA, Curriculum and Teaching, Columbia University and BA, Middlebury College

What is your occupation?

I began my career teaching elementary school in both New York and Connecticut. I am a now a travel advisor, combining two of my passions - travel and education.

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

My husband, Greg, and I have two daughters who are 16 and 13.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I was elected to my first term of the Board of Education in 2021. Prior to my election to the Board of Education, I served on the RTM for 3 years.

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?

In my first three years on the Board of Education, much of our work was driven by the return to school post-pandemic. We were also focused on our newly developed strategic plan, which I helped to develop as a parent leader.

There is still much work to be done to ensure that our curriculum is as responsive to each learner as possible. Differentiation is important in a classroom, but can be quite challenging. I know that challenge first hand from my time in the classroom. As Chair of the Board of Education Curriculum Committee, the main focus of my work on the Board is to ensure that students at all levels are receiving high level instruction, but also balancing the stress and anxiety than can come along with that. I believe strongly in the Vision of the Darien Public Schools: "Preparing ALL students today to thrive in a changing world tomorrow." It is important that Darien students will be able to thrive once leaving DPS.

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

I view my constituents as the approximately 4,700 students in our schools. My work on the Board always has our students at the forefront of all decision making, something I wish all Board of Education members would prioritize.

The most pressing issue facing students in Darien today is the amount of pressure and high expectations placed on their shoulders. I intend to continue to stress that there are many different definitions of success, and that one student's path is not any better than their peer next to them. I will work to ensure that there are options for all children to succeed in our schools - whatever that looks like for each individual. We have a responsibility to develop confident, caring and balanced students. I think we have begun to address this in our schools, but there is still much progress to be made.

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

I am the only member of the Board of Education with an education background and degree. An educator's point of view is important to have as we work to ensure that our schools are being run efficiently and have the appropriate supports in place for both students and teachers.

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

I started in 2009 as a community volunteer in Darien and have held multiple leadership positions in various town organizations, including our schools. I am known to be pragmatic and to not allow politics to taint any of my decisions. I am not a politician. If I had my way, the Board of Education would be a non-partisan body. There is no room in education for politics. I am saddened by the politicization of the Board of Education in Darien, as well as those across the state and country. Our schools and community are worse because of the political polarization. I actively work to keep an open mind to all viewpoints.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It sounds cliché, but just to be yourself and trust your gut and intuition. It will not lead you astray.

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

I look forward to working with all Board members, the DPS administrators and the DPS teachers to continue to improve our schools and the experiences of our children.