Milford Election 2021 Profile: Terri Smith, School Board

MILFORD, CT — Republican TERRI SMITH, 37, is running for Board of Education in Milford.

Occupation: Vp Of Facilities For A Large Retail Company

Family: I have two children in the Milford Public Schools. One is at Foran HS and one is at East Shore MS

Family in government: NO

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

I believe the single most pressing issue facing our town is transparency with the school district. There have recently been some controversial major changes in curriculum and others that are being considered with no direct communication to the parents or request for input. I believe a school district can only be successful when it partners with the parents and families are as involved as possible.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

1. I am a parent of children in the district, which offers an important perspective. 2. My children have attended 5 schools collectively, and I have been very involved in the schools since day one. I understand how they operate, and I also have special education advocacy experience. 3. I work with millions of dollars of facility management budgets all day professionally. I believe this offers a unique perspective when it comes to reviewing projects and budgets.

Accomplishments:

Personally, my heavy involvement in my children's lives and their activities over the years has provided great insight into this community, its resources, and its citizens.
Professionally, my biggest accomplishment, and climbing the corporate ladder and being promoted 6 times over the course of 10 years to now VP of facilities is evidence that I can handle a variety of responsibilities, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to be successful in anything I set out to do.

Other issues:

As a parent, I entrust the Milford Public Schools with my children for many hours of their lives. I feel it is necessary for parents to feel comfortable with everything happening in their children's schools. It is important that every voice is heard and that all parents and taxpayers regardless of age, religion, beliefs, values, and race and gender are properly represented.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I would like voters to know that I am a very caring and understanding person. I always try hard to understand and respect everyone's opinion even if it may be different than my own. I have always loved the Milford School District and all it has provided to my children. My intention is to protect the integrity of our district and to do all that I can to ensure our schools are producing healthy, well-rounded, successful, and responsible young adults for our growing community.