Leading the Transparency Fix on Enfield Textbook Approvals

In today’s political climate, people are quick to point out division, disagreement, and dysfunction. What often gets overlooked are the moments when elected officials work together to improve government in a practical and meaningful way. Recently, the Enfield Board of Education demonstrated that very kind of cooperation.

Beginning immediately, textbook changes in Enfield Public Schools (EPS) will come before the full Board of Education (BOE) for public discussion and approval — ensuring greater transparency. This change came after I raised concerns that the existing process did not appear to align with Connecticut law or Board policy.

For some time, all textbook approvals had been handled exclusively within the BOE Curriculum Subcommittee without coming before the full Board for final action. After reviewing state statutes earlier this year, I began asking questions about whether that process was appropriate and consistent with legal requirements.

In January of this year, I had reached out to Board Chair Amanda Pickett seeking clarification. When questions about the process remained unanswered, I raised the concern publicly during the April 28, 2026, Board of Education meeting and followed up with Curriculum Subcommittee Chair Mrs. Kiner, while also including the Board Chair and the Superintendent. To their credit, the administration and Board leaders responded professionally and constructively.

Later that same afternoon, EPS Superintendent Steven Moccio confirmed that Board policy aligns with state law and clarified that, moving forward, textbook changes will come out from the subcommittee to the full Board for discussion and action in a public meeting. That is an important correction.

Textbook decisions directly impact students, staff, and stakeholders across the community. Citizens deserve transparency, especially on matters such as curriculum and budgetary impacts. These critical decisions should not happen quietly or without the involvement of the full Board of Education. The basic goal of subcommittees is to review and recommend action. All Board members, as elected representatives of the public, deserve the opportunity to review and discuss materials before the final decisions are made.

This was never about politics or creating conflict. It was about accountability and making sure the proper process is followed. I’m proud Republicans took the lead on identifying the issue and pushing for greater transparency. I also appreciate that Democrats and administrators worked cooperatively once the concern was raised. That is how government should work.

At a time when people are frustrated by division and dysfunction, this serves as a reminder that bipartisan cooperation is still possible when the focus remains on doing what is right.