Patch Candidate Profile: Karyn Putney, Board Of Education

EAST HAVEN, CT —The 2023 municipal election is heating up in East Haven and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Democrat Karyn Putney, 44, of East Haven, is running for a seat on the Board of Education:

Education.

Bachelors Degree - Sociology, Bachelors Degree Nursing

What is your occupation?

Registered Nurse 14 years

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

Brent - Husband Married for almost 13 years. Two School aged daughters in East Haven Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Incumbent for East Haven Board of Education

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?

Seeking re-election to continue advocating for the students of our district.

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

Our district struggles with low graduation rates, chronic absenteeism and students under-performing on test scores. We need to work together to ensure students are able to attend school and provide teachers and parents the supports needed to ensure our students receive the quality education they deserve.

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

As a mom of two students in district, and as someone who is very active in my community I am very involved in communicating with all the stakeholders responsible for providing our families and students with the best possible education.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

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

Enhancing communication between BOE members, administration and parents.

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

High attendance and participation at all Board of Education meetings. Inviting members of the community to shared questions, concerns and join us in sharing public comment.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Children are our future and it is our responsibility to provide support while modeling integrity, honesty and open communication.

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

We are responsible as a board of education for providing a safe, inclusive environment for students to preform at their highest level while receiving a quality education to set them up for success as adults.