Enfield Candidate Profile: Scott Ryder, Board Of Education

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

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

Name: Scott Ryder

How old will you be as of Election Day? 49

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

https://enfieldctdemocrats.org...

What city or town do you live in? Enfield

What office are you seeking? Board of Education

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Some college & KITE's Parent Leadership Academy

What is your occupation?Marketing & Events Producer

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

Scott (& Bridget) Ryder are proud parents of two Enfield Public School students (in middle & high school). When our daughter started Kindergarten at Hazardville Memorial in the Fall of 2013, I walked her to school and asked, “How can I volunteer here, and in Enfield's schools?” Over a decade later…I'm still volunteering...and extremely involved! My wife and I did not grow up here – though that's often assumed. Truth is; I’m as involved as I am…NOT because I’m from here…but because Enfield is where my children are growing up.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

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

Board of Education, Enfield - Elected in 2017, 2019 & 2021. Currently BOE Vice Chair (Since Nov. 2021)

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 take great pride in communicating the work of our schools, staff & administration to our families, school-community, and our town. Volunteering and promoting EPS, for me, started in 2013 when I was a PTO lead at our daughter's elementary school - and it's only been amplified since I've been a Board of Education member. Our Superintendent and all of the EPS staff, have to do - and have to be, so much more for our students now than our community may realize. I am here to support them, as well as the students who learn with them, and their families. I wish to thank the Connecticut Education Association, who recently recognized some of my school-spirit, with their “2022 CEA Spirit Award.” Last, but never least, I enjoy encouraging the passions and interests of our two children, and I want that to continue doing that for ALL of our public school students.

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

The misinformation about certain aspects of both teaching and learning inside today's classrooms...is a pressing issue. And I will continue to do, what I have been doing, on the Board of Education for the schools and families of Enfield. Correct it. Keep receipts. Do the work. Listen. Learn. Evolve. Call out when someone or something may be working against their best interests, or impeding the progress of education.

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

I'd prefer to answer in a "pro-us" than "anti-them." The candidates I am running with are involved inside of our school system. We are active stakeholders. We want the best for all, and we believe in equity in education. We believe in and support our school administration and our staff, and we show up and support our school-partners like Smyth Bus, and others. We are very vocal in our support of our students and staff. I can, and have, said very nice things about some of our ballot-opponents, but I don't see what we bring to the table across their five.

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

I have served on the Board of Education for three terms, starting in 2017. My first term, I made the conscious effort to listen, and learn the role of what being a BOE member is, what it entails, and what it does not. I volunteered for roles on subcommittees and joint-town committees. And I used my voice to speak up for policies that seemed to be counterintuitive to serving all students. In my second term, I took more of a leadership role, serving as our team's Minority Leader, I spent my second term on the Policy subcommittee, and spoke about our schools and positive acts occurring inside them. Now, in my third term, I am the Vice Chair to our incredible Chairwoman, Tina LeBlanc. I also Chair Policy and have been a consistent member of that subcommittee for 6-yrs. And I have some incredible relationships with our staff, and school-community alike and

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Surround yourself with the best people.

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

I just want Enfield to know how committed I am to my role and responsibilities on Enfield's Board of Education. Outside of that, I have faith that you've seen (or heard) me at ALL of your schools - at one event or another, maybe wearing my PJs, very likely playing music - and that will continue as long as you'll let me!