Patch Candidate Profile: Jason Li, Board of Education

FAIRFIELD, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Fairfield will be on the ballot, including Board of Selectman, Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM and others.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 7, Fairfield Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Jason Li

How old will you be as of Election Day?

53

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

https://www.fairfieldrtc.com/boe-candidates

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

B.A., University of Bridgeport, 1993

What is your occupation?

Advertising Account Executive (20+ years)

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

I have lived in Fairfield for over 26 years with my wife, and we have an amazing daughter who is a senior in Fairfield Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Current Chair, School A/C Building Committee
Vice President, Inclusivity and Outreach, CT-PTA
Member, Fairfield SEPTA
Connecticut Justice of the Peace
Fmr. Chair, Holland Hill Building Committee
Fmr. Chair, Mill Hill Building Committee
Fmr. RTM Member, District 6

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 am seeking a seat on Fairfield's Board of Education to represent our students and their families, ensuring an education of quality and of safety is provided to every child. We have a great public school system in our town, my daughter is evident of that greatness. I believe that not only can we maintain the system's quality, but enhance it.

Consistently improving our students' learning environment, advancing curriculum, and lifting every child up, can further our learning outcomes. I believe in Fairfield Public Schools, and will be a collaborator with all parties involved: our bright students, involved parents, excellent teachers, and caring support staff.

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

The most pressing issue facing my constituents is re-districting. For the past year, students and families have been stressing regarding potential school closings and or the splitting up of schools to meet state mandates. However, let's be honest: re-districting has been a problem for years, but the current majority on the Board of Education hasn't fixed it. I understand the complexity of the issue, and that there isn't an easy solution, however solutions can be prepared and made by listening to the concerns of parents and their students. As a father of a student who attended a neighborhood school (Holland Hill), I understand the importance in up keeping that community, walk-to-school feel.

We must work together as a community and in bipartisan fashion to not jeopardize the quality of our children's education nor relationships with inadequate re-districting solutions.

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

The major difference between myself and the other candidates seeking this position is simply experience.

For over a decade, I have chaired three building committees for Fairfield Public Schools. Overseeing the renovations and additions of Holland Hill and Mill Hill Elementary Schools, I worked collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and parents, as well as Democrat and Republican colleagues, to deliver a safe and innovative learning environments for our students. During these two projects, I am proud to say both schools are fully air conditioned and properly ventilated, with increased learning space, and yet we saved the town taxpayer over $500,000 (as of today).

Currently, I am Chairman of the A/C Building Committee, working on Stage 1 of providing air conditioning and proper air quality ventilation systems to Osborn Hill, North Stratfield, Fairfield Woods, and Fairfield Warde.

That said, I believe I have the budgeting skills, facilities knowledge, and communication expertise in working with parents, teachers, and board members from across the aisle.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Despite the complexity of re-districting, especially given the state mandate, I believe that the Board of Education did not fully consider parents', teachers', and administrators' needs and desires upfront. Listening to the stakeholders and their advocacy of the children must come first.

I appreciate the board going back to the state, however, I feel this topic is far from being over, and we must be more proactive in seeking bipartisan solutions.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

As mentioned previously, I would like to have more proactive involvement from our board within the school communities. Understanding the concerns of our students, parents, and teachers, is best done through listening and engagement.

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

I would first cite the successful implementation of air conditioning and ventilation systems, in addition to the renovations, at both Holland Hill and Mill Hill, are major accomplishments and are evidence of how I can handle this job administratively.

Not to mention, under my leadership, the committees saved the Fairfield taxpayer around $500,000 on these projects alone.

Furthermore, I am currently chairing the A/C Building Committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of air conditioning and ventilation systems in two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Yet, most importantly: I am a parent. Not only do I have the budgeting expertise, facilities knowledge, and organization, I have the sharp passion and drive for ensuring my student and yours get the quality education they deserve.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best way to learn is to listen. If you keep an open mind, and listen to the people around you, you will grow professionally and personally into a better individual.

In taking this advice to the Board of Education, I will represent all students, parents, and teachers to the best of my ability. Listening to make collaborative and effective solutions for the betterment of our public schools and our town.