Manchester Election 2023: Beth Mix, Board of Education

MANCHESTER, CT — Beth Mix is running for a Manchester Board of Education seat in the 2023 election.

Name

Beth Mix

How old will you be as of Election Day?

58

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

https://www.manchesterctdems.i...

What city or town do you live in?

Manchester

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Townwide

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BA, Wesleyan University; M.Ed, Eastern Connecticut State University

What is your occupation?

I've been a Youth Worker for the past 30 years, working with at risk kids

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

My husband Tom and I have two sons. My oldest, Max, is grown and flown; my youngest, Gus, attends Manchester Community College.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I currently sit on the Manchester Board of Education. I was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2021.

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?

My candidacy is driven by a combination of my extensive experience with youth, my educational qualifications, my passion for education, and a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families in Manchester.

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

The single most pressing issue facing the school system is the emotional health of our students. Emotional health plays a critical role in a young person's ability to learn and grow. Emotional health challenges can make children more vulnerable to bullying and peer pressure, and also make youth more likely to have attendance issues and behavioral issues. What I intend to do is to prioritize social work staffing, advocate for increased training for teachers and support staff, and enhance partnerships between the schools and parents. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate and conducive learning environment where all our students can thrive and reach their full potential.

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

My 30 years of working with children and families in Manchester give me a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing students and educators in the community. My education gives me unique insights into educational theory and practice in our classrooms. My commitment to inclusivity and equity -- and my unwavering belief in the potential of every single child in our town -- give me the drive to serve with utmost dedication on the Board of Education.

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

N/A

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

I would like to emphasize the successes of our school district: If you walk through our schools on any day of the week you will see the vast majority of our students engaged and working hard, being led by caring, effective teachers and support staff. Chronic absenteeism has been reduced 30% from 2021-22 school year to 2022-23 school year; Our graduation rate is near 90%; 82% of our students that attend college, remain at least through their sophomore year, including 77% of our students of color -- in other words, we are preparing our students well for higher education and the world of work.

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

I worked with at-risk youth in Manchester for almost 30 years, learning the strengths and needs of our young citizens. As a mom, I have had the experience of raising two very different kids with different educational needs and struggles, and this has given me a strong sense of empathy for parents, as well as a drive to make our school system as strong as it can possibly be.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"When in doubt, tell the truth" -- my mother, quoting Mark Twain.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love to talk about education and hear people's views and ideas and opinions; I love to debate and discuss. But in the end, I make my decisions based on data, through the lens of compassion.