Carol Guernsey Running For Fairfield Board Of Education

FAIRFIELD, CT — It's election season in Fairfield, and Patch is here to help you get to know the candidates running for local office in 2021 before voters head to the polls Nov. 2.

Questionnaire responses appear as submitted by candidates.

Democrat Carol Guernsey, 47, is running for Board of Education in Fairfield.

Occupation: My Professional Background Includes Over 20 Years Of Broad-based Experience In Fundraising And Program Management For Arts And Community Organizations Including Fairfield County’s Community Foundation And The Metropolitan Museum Of Art.

Family: I am married to Daniel Guernsey who is Creative Director of On-Air Promotions at the YES Network. Our two children, ages 12 and 16, attend Fairfield Public Schools.

Experience: Fairfield Board of Education member (2020-present)

Family in government: My father served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division, in the Vietnam War, and was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

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

The most pressing issue our town and schools are facing continues to be the Covid pandemic. While I’m proud of the progress the district has made to bring students back to school full-time, the current school year requires both diligence and patience as we continue to address learning loss and the emotional impact of the pandemic. As we see from the challenges faced over the past 19 months, many of our school facilities are in dire need of updating. The need for mechanical means of fresh air in our classrooms and throughout our facilities is critical to support the health of our students and staff. To that end, and I believe that adopting and continuing to advocate for our education budget is vital to support the needs of all our learners.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Over the past decade I have been an active advocate for education and the arts. With my own children currently in middle school and high school, I have a broad perspective that allows me to represent the diverse needs of students and families at all levels. I am also inspired by my mother, a retired special education teacher, and who instilled a deep appreciation of the instrumental role of our educators. As a member of the Policy Board and District Improvement Plan Steering Committee I am committed to making policy changes and setting goals that will positively impact and improve our student experiences.

Accomplishments:

My current role on the Board of Education demonstrates my ability to bring experience, leadership, and creativity to the extreme rigor of this work. I have proven and remain committed to open and continuous communication with the public. My previous experience serving in leadership positions on the Executive Boards of four different PTAs, as well as the PTA Council, and exhibits my longtime commitment to education.

Other issues:

• Student learning loss and the emotional impact of the pandemic will continue to be at the forefront of my work on the Board of Education. Identifying and supporting these needs will be critical to student growth and progress.
• Investing in our facilities is paramount to the health and safety of our students and staff. It’s also common sense. Upgraded HVAC systems will help alleviate mold and moisture that can wreak havoc on our facilities. I believe that bringing mechanical means of fresh air to our school buildings is a priority. Covid brought ventilation issues to the forefront and stalling this work will only escalate costs to our community over time.
• I believe that safe, equitable, and inclusive schools give all students the opportunity to thrive. I am dedicated to examining existing structures to identify areas of improvement, in support of Fairfield Public Schools’ commitment to equity work.
• I support sustainability. Understanding the impact our schools have on our environment is critical when making decisions about purchasing, facilities, and transportation. It also encompasses efforts to tackle everything from air quality to consumption and waste. In addition, I am interested in exploring cost savings through solar and other sustainability projects.
• As a member of MOMS Demand Action, I believe our schools need to implement evidence-based policies to prevent gun violence.
• I am dedicated to the arts. I will continue to advocate for curriculum areas hit hardest by this pandemic, which includes Fairfield Public School’s award-winning music program. I will continue to press for solutions to safely deliver curriculum and provide performance opportunities to our students.
• As a homeowner, I recognize that quality schools positively impact our property values and, as a taxpayer, and I am dedicated to balancing educational interests with fiscal responsibility.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

It has been an honor and privilege to serve our community on the Board of Education since December 2020. With your support, I hope to continue this important work. Given the diverse interests of our various stakeholders, I am committed to working in an inclusive and non-partisan manner, asking tough questions, and and providing creative and collaborative solutions that are critical to fulfill our mission.