Election 2021: Janet T. Cushman For Enfield Board Of Education

ENFIELD, CT — Republican Janet T Cushman, 51, is running for the Enfield Board of Education.

Occupation: My Former Occupation Was As A Teacher At A School For The Deaf, An Educational Tutor For Elementary Students, And A Home Educator. I Am Currently Writing Grants For Nonprofits That Are Near To My Heart.

Family:
My husband’s name is David; we have been married 27 years and have 5 adult children and 1 grandson.

Experience: Having been appointed in February 2021 and I am currently serving on the Enfield Board of Education

Family in government: No, no one.

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

When I consider the most pressing issue facing our schools here in the town of Enfield, a quote from Abraham Lincoln comes to mind:

"The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next."

I am finding it increasingly alarming what is finding its way into our classrooms here in Enfield under the guise of compassion and justice. We are seeing the destructive and divisive result of racial philosophies introduced into school districts around the country. I do not believe Enfield should stand by blinding asserting it is not happening here. There have been several recent assignments and statements made in our classrooms that deserve to be taken seriously.

The Enfield Board of Education has a responsibility to ensure all current and future policies that are written result in an equal education for the diverse population of all Enfield students. The board should strive to provide our students with an education based on truth and American values that promotes critical thinking, and excellence and hard work.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Passionate about teaching, I also enjoy being a student, embracing the many opportunities I have to read and learn. I study a topic thoroughly before speaking, and giving more weight to facts and logic than emotion.

Accomplishments:

As an educator by profession as well as a tutor and home educator, I have over twenty-five years of teaching experience in a variety of settings. In a professional setting as well as at home, and I researched curriculum for a variety of subjects to be able to offer the best materials to my students.

Other issues:

Ensuring that Enfield has and maintains a rigorous academic program is essential as our children and youth are the future of our community and nation. A good education is an effective tool to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and motivation to be valuable, contributing members of society.

Families are the most critical foundational building block of a strong and healthy community and parents are a child’s best advocate. As such, it is essential that the Enfield Public Schools and Board of Education have open and transparent communication with parents, creating an environment where parents feel safe to exercise their right to make informed choices and feel comfortable speaking out on assignments, policies, and decisions affecting their children's education, lives, and futures.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am thankful to serve alongside a group of dedicated, Republican candidates who are willing to take a stand on hard issues to ensure that the students in our community are not harmed, but rather thrive in a school environment that upholds truth and liberty. I appreciate the stand that has been taken on issues of policy (particularly the 5000 series), on masks, and course content and assignments.

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