Milford Election 2021 Profile: Susan Glennon, School Board

MILFORD, CT — Democrat Susan Glennon is running for the Board of Education in Milford.

Occupation: Early Childhood Professional

Family: Three grown children, all graduates of Milford Public Schools. Six grandchildren, some of whom do or will attend Milford Public Schools.

Experience: Currently serving on the Board of Education and elected in 2011 and its Chair since 2013

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 the school district is addressing the gaps in teaching and learning that occurred because of the disruptions caused by the pandemic. On the 2019 state assessment, Milford was one of a handful of districts in CT to see improvement in both Math and English Language Arts scores.

The assessment given in the spring of 2021, after a year’s hiatus, will be the new benchmark for growth. Teachers must have the support and resources they need to, first, assess the needs of their students and, second, develop appropriate plans to accelerate each student’s learning.

This will be a multi-year process. Teachers must be offered authentic and robust professional learning opportunities and time for collaboration with their peers. Careful consideration must be given to the challenging and stressful impact of the pandemic on our families. Students must be given the emotional support necessary to help them be their best learners.

From the Board’s perspective, allocating appropriate budget dollars to support our Vision of the Learner and the district’s teaching and learning plan of high-quality instruction, is essential.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My personal career has given me the opportunity to work with young people for over twenty-five years. As the parent of three children who graduated from Milford Public Schools, I have been involved in the school district as a parent, a parent/PTA leader, a state PTA leader, a member of the Board of Education and its chairperson.

I understand the complex role of a board member as an advocate for children, and a representative of the voters and parents in the community and as an agent of the state responsible to carry out Connecticut’s statutes and regulations that pertain to public education.

Accomplishments:

I have successfully run my small business for over two decades. I have participated in continuing education through the Board’s professional organization that has earned me the designation of Certificated Board of Education Member. I have served as the Board’s chairwoman since 2013.

Other issues:

I believe in a student-centered holistic approach to schooling that focuses on the individual needs of each child. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of and excited for is the redesign of school for our youngest learners to include more whole child/play-based learning through intentional play.

The Board also recently supported the addition of World Language to elementary school and the creation of Elementary Science/STEM Labs with STEM specialists to work alongside students and the classroom teacher. These are initiatives parents had been asking about for many years. I was happy to support them.

At the middle and high school level, I will continue to support more course voice and choice for learners and the development of additional career pathways. The world is rapidly changing. Our students must have the skills they need to think critically, for themselves, and be ready to meet the world they will graduate into.

If they leave us unable to look at a situation or a set of facts, consider it and form their own conclusions, then we have failed them. Milford Public Schools has made great strides in recent years, but there is always more to be done.

If re-elected, I will continue to work collaboratively with other Board members and the superintendent of schools to move the district forward with relevant “21st Century” teaching and learning and to give students more opportunities for success.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I care deeply about Milford, and I am an avid supporter of public education. A strong school system enhances our community, and I want to ensure every student can reach his or her full potential. I would be honored to serve another term on the board.