Guilford Election 2021: Kristy Faulkner For Board Of Education

GUILFORD, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Independent Kristy Faulkner, 40, is running for Board of Education in Guilford.

Occupation: Molecular Biologist

Experience: Currently appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate Current Co-chair of Guilford Special Ed PTO Former Co-vice president Guilford Lakes PTO Former Secretary of Baldwin PTO Current Association of CT Fairs Baking Committee Member

Family in government: No

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

Misinformation. I will seek to rectify the damage that has been inflicted in the past year by a vocal minority. We have to come together to heal as a community. Parents need a safe place to be heard, but have to understand that there is an expectation that what is being said is based in truth, not fiction meant to inspire fear. Our national politics have found a way into the campaign for the Board of Education, and a group which has had a long-standing tradition of bipartisan collaboration. I am running to protect our Board of Education from the political attack it is facing by far-right tactics

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Unlike my opponents who seek to undo the initiatives toward a more equitable and inclusive education for all Guilford students, I believe that Guilford’s Board of Ed should be commended for the efforts they have put forth thus far. I look forward to continuing this work in a way that is accepted by all members of our community. I believe the appointment of Dr. Rydell Harrison in particular, will be a wonderful addition to our district and an incredible source of support for any families and students who feel marginalized. These are brave and bold steps our Board of Ed and Superintendent are taking — admitting when we may be falling short is commendable, but taking that knowledge and seeking to improve sends a message to our students that will carry on into their adult lives. I applaud our Superintendent and Board of Ed for working together toward a better future for our students and families.

Accomplishments:

I have spent nearly 10 years giving my time in service to our schools and teachers from volunteering as classroom parent, serving as a PTO board member (Lakes, Baldwin, and SEPTO), running various events (bake sales and science fairs), which have given me extensive insight into what our amazing teachers are doing in the classrooms. In addition to supporting our schools, I have spent the last two years volunteering my time to our town as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I received a Master's in Education from the University of Connecticut. While I did not pursue a career in education, and I have a deep understanding of the rigorous training our teachers receive and an even deeper respect for the dedication that our excellent teachers demonstrate to our students.

Other issues:

I feel that there is often a disconnect between the voice of the constituents and the Board of Ed. Whether people feel intimidated to speak in a public forum or simply unaware that the Board of Ed members are only an email or phone call away, I am not sure. I do know that I would like to proactively seek out input from our constituents. Our Board Members are doing their best to make sure all voices are represented, but can only do so with active participation by community members. I am the mother of three children, and each one of my kids has had a completely different experience within our school system. Two of my children thrive while my youngest, who is autistic, struggles with the typical challenges many children with Special Needs face. I have transitioned through the years from denial, to acceptance, to advocacy. I would seek to be a voice for the varied experiences many who receive support services experience. I am deeply concerned for the mental well-being of our students as they have endured nearly two years of life through an unprecedented pandemic. I am eager to work toward solutions that will make sure students are being supported academically, socially, and emotionally while balancing precautions that protect physical health. While I view myself as moderate, I identify as fiscally conservative when it comes to our town budgets. We moved here as a single income family in our 20s with young children. I understand the very real concern about any tax increases. Even though the town and BOE have done a good job approving reasonable and well-thought-out budgets, taxes continue to rise, mainly due to increased property assessments. As a town we must be thoughtful about the impact to our residents, and also promote the excellent programs we have for Seniors such as the property tax-freeze. I think there are many ways in which we can move forward without compromising our excellence in educational standards, while considering the financial needs of all in our town.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am a person who deeply respects that we have different life experiences which shape our individual perspectives. I understand the need to be objective, weigh all the information, and be open-minded when listening to others. I also firmly believe that there are times in life when the same rules do not apply, when there is no justifiable excuse, and there is only right and wrong. To deny our children an education that prepares them for life in the world for the sake of sheltering them is not what is best for them. There is no reasonable explanation for why equity, social justice, and inclusion should ever be attacked the way they have been by those in conservative social media. This election is about right and wrong. It is wrong to tear down others for your own personal gain. Our students deserve a deep understanding of what makes us the great nation we are — both the good and the bad.