Middletown Election: Emily Jackson Running For Board Of Education

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Middletown with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for seats on the Board of Education and Planning and Zoning Commission.

Middletown Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Democrat Emily Jackson, 42, is running for election to the Middletown Board of Education.

Occupation: Director Of Operations/hr At Booker T. Washington Academy, New Haven

Family: I am married with four children. My wife is a teacher in Middletown. We have two grown children who graduated from MHS, and two elementary-aged children who attend Farm Hill.

Experience: None

Family in government: No

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is a lack of true collaboration and transparent communication. I intend to encourage opportunities for collaboration between the community and the district. I will ask questions, be critical and provide guidance to ensure that communication from the district is transparent. The board of education should work with the superintendent, but never lose sight of holding him/her accountable.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have experience in education. I currently work in a K-8 school and within my role I oversee all nonacademic departments. I have also served my district as the COVID-19 Liaison. I have a strong aptitude for systems and financial management. Previous to my current role, I worked as an Executive Director for a nonprofit organization. We closely collaborated with schools to provide education support/programs. As an Executive Director, I had the oversight of a Board of Directors. The oversight and collaboration I experienced helped me grow as a leader. I truly understand the commitment and responsibility of a BOE member.

Accomplishments:

See above

Other issues:

We must always be student-focused and forward thinking.

Teachers and staff have a voice. They should always be at the table and part of the conversation.

The safety and health of our students, teachers and staff are a priority.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

All of our decisions should be centered around what is best for our students. We have a very diverse student body, and we should always do our best to meet them where they are. Equity doesn't mean we lower the bar, it means identifying the needs of students and providing the necessary resources and support to ensure challenging educational opportunities. We have to take care of, provide ongoing PD/training and listen to our teachers and staff in order for them to truly engage and support our students. Parents and guardians must be involved! As a parent, I always strive to form a partnership with my child's teacher and school.