New Canaan Election 2021: Janet Fonss For Board Of Education

NEW CANAAN, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in town will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on a few topics.

Democrat Janet Fonss, 53, is running for Board of Education in New Canaan.

Occupation: Financial Analyst - Retired

Family: Spouse, Jack Fonss. Children: Max Fonss (age 21), Ava Fonss (age 16)

Family in government: No

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

Protecting our excellent schools is the most pressing issue facing our town today. With at least five new members soon to be seated, both the leadership and direction of our BOE is in question. Regardless of the outcome, we will be missing the deep institutional knowledge of departing members, yet reap the benefit of fresh perspectives.

Our new board will determine if NCPS continues to take a holistic approach to educating our children and if important new initiatives like DEI, new STEM initiatives and healthier start times will continue to be supported. With partisan agendas now threatening the academic integrity of our classrooms, I will fight to ensure the focus remains on the best interests of our children.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

As a former PTC president, I have hands-on experience working with and understanding the needs of parents, the administration, faculty and students. I have experience fundraising, reviewing school budgets and curriculum, and introducing new science and technology initiatives at our schools.

As a former financial analyst, I understand cost drivers and the need to balance fiscal prudence while serving the needs of our NCPS community. I enjoy listening to different perspectives and working with all community members to reach a common goal, regardless of party affiliation.

Accomplishments:

My professional career as a financial analyst reviewing Fortune 500 companies and hedge funds required me to analyze not only the financial health of institutions, but also the strength of management and personnel. I believe this skill translates well into assessing the needs of NCPS: to ensure all stakeholders are happy and to ensure we continually innovate to meet the needs of our students now and in the future.

In addition to volunteering in New Canaan schools, I have a proven ability to collaborate and partner in support of various local organizations, including the National Charity League, New Canaan Library and the New England Academy of Dance.

Other issues:

My focus as a BOE member would be to ensure NCPS students are prepared foremost academically, but also socially and emotionally for a rapidly changing global world. Academically, I support a continued focus on next generation skills sets, including STEM, computer science and foreign language.

I support COVID-19 mitigation efforts to keep our kids safe and healthy in school and I support initiatives that focus on mental health and stress awareness. I support NCPS’ social and emotional learning program and inclusion initiatives as ways for students to find a sense of purpose and belonging.

Understanding communication is an area of discontent, I support opportunities for parent engagement and two way communication through town halls and active listening sessions. I have strong relationships with our local legislators and will advocate for local control of our schools.

Finally, as a steward of our town’s finances, I would encourage continued cost savings through town partnerships and in-house services.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I firmly believe partisan politics has no place in New Canaan schools. Our record of excellence has always been achieved through keeping our eyes on preparing our children for the future, both academically and emotionally. Our children thrive when there is a healthy balance between academics and awareness of the world around them.

As a candidate who comes from a split party affiliation household and I understand that the best governance comes from the middle. I would always keep that in mind when making decisions on the BOE.