Enfield Candidate Profile: Tina LeBlanc, Board of Education

ENFIELD, CT — Enfield's election season is heating up, and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to represent their town in November's municipal election. Enfield Patch asked candidates in the town council and Board of Education races to answer questions about their campaigns, and has been publishing candidate profiles each weekday as election day draws near.

Tina LeBlanc is running for re-election to the Enfield Board of Education as a member of the Democratic party.

Name: Tina LeBlanc

Age: 45

Position sought: Board of Education

Party affiliation: Democratic

Family: Married, three children

Occupation: Senior Commutation Analyst

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Board of Education

The single most pressing issue facing our town is: A pressing issue the town and school district is repeatedly facing is the budget and how the state impacts us. In the past, the state hasn't always passed a timely budget. There have been threats of extreme cuts to Enfield on the town and school side due to bipartisan disagreements. As I have in the past, I intend to ask our state representatives and senator hard questions regarding unfunded mandates, magnet school expenses, and school security funding to name a few. We must make sure that the public education for Enfield is properly funded while keeping the tax burden as low as possible. The town and district side need to continue to work together for a fair and balanced budget for all residents of Enfield. Investment in education is an investment in the town of Enfield.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post: I am an active stakeholder. My two oldest kids attended Enfield Public Schools and both graduated from Enfield High School in June of 2017 and June of 2019. My youngest is a student at Enfield High.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: We need to continue as a district to focus on school security and infrastructure. School security must be continually reviewed and enhanced, especially in the world we live in today. As many town and school buildings are very old, we need to make sure maintenance and repair are a top priority for the safety of the students and staff. We must also keep moving in a forward direction so that Enfield students continue to be valued and prepared in all learning aspects so they will be successful in whatever path they choose. We must continue to champion our educators to allow them to be heard and valued as well. We have amazing teachers in this district who get to work with our students each day!

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job: As I am seeking my fifth term for re-election, I bring my experience from my prior terms as well as working on the Enfield High School and JFK Pre-Referendum Committees, the Joint Insurance Committee and Finance Committee as well as Leadership. The combining of the high schools was one highlight of my previous terms. Seeing the course offerings from STEAM enhancements, the Arts, AP courses and enthusiasm at the high school is wonderful! You can also see me volunteering around town in addition to the Board of Ed!

The best advice ever shared with me was: Don't let party politics guide your decision making. Stand up for what is right and don't compromise your beliefs.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions: I believe party politics should not be a part of public education. Should I get re-elected, I will continue to be a voice for parents, students and educators. I have a proven track record of speaking up for what I believe in, and that will not change.