Ellington Candidate Profile: Liz Nord, Board Of Education

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

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

Name: Liz Nord

How old will you be as of Election Day? did not answer

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

https://elldtc.org

What city or town do you live in? Ellington

What office are you seeking? Board of Education

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: M.A. Educational Administration UConn, 30 graduate credits Russell Sage College, B.S. SUNY College at Brockport

What is your occupation? Teacher for 30 years, now retired

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

Husband-John Nord, 3 Sons all graduates of the Ellington School District, and 3 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Husband retired from Office of Labor Relations State of Connecticut

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

Yes, Ellington Board of Education since April 2018

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 want to ensure that each student in Ellington receive the education needed to reach their full potential. There should be transparency and open lines of communication with all residents.

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 the need for more transparency. I would promote more staff and parent focus groups and more open forum on issues for all residents.

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

As Treasurer of the Board of Education and Chair of Finance I understand the complexities and financial needs of a successful school district. As a former teacher in Ellington I know first hand the importance of education and understand the social and emotional needs of students. I also provided district-wide inservice for Ellington teachers and teachers of other districts though out the state. I'm very familiar with both the Board of Education's self- insurance plan, and as a member of the Health Insurance Commission for Town I am also familiar with the Town's Employees Health Plan.

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

I intend to expand "STEAM" programs, provide differential learning to accommodate all students, boost programs that focus on student social and emotional well-being, and provide more engagement with staff, parents, and residents.

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

During my tenure as a teacher in Ellington I was Chair of Negotiations and Grievance Chair for the Ellington Teachers Association. I have been a Board of Education member for 6 years, and have served on the Board's negotiations team for several employee contracts. As Treasurer of the Board of Education and Chair of Finance I have been deeply involved of the District's budget process. I was Health Education Coordinator (K-5) when I developed and implemented district-wide curriculum, and provided inservice for teachers. I also taught 6th grade and provided inservice for 5th and 6th grade teachers.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To always remember that, CHILDREN COME FIRST!

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

I am the only board member or candidate that has obtained a certification in School Administration and Supervision (092).