New Canaan Election 2021: Jennifer Hladick 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 Jennifer Hladick, 50, is running for the Board of Education in New Canaan.

Occupation: Carriage Barn Arts Center

• Husband, Joe
• Sons Jack, 16, and Henry, 14, both at New Canaan High School

Experience: Health and Human Services Commissioner

Family in government: My uncle, Peter Franchot, is comptroller of Maryland and is running for governor.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

There are several critical differences between our slate and the other candidates: we have years of experience with NCPS and a proven track record as committed advocates for students and our schools; we have not ever let political agendas take priority over what is best for students and our schools; and we recognize the outstanding work of the NCPS superintendent, administration, and BOE.

The opposing slate has little to no experience with NCPS, has publicly used partisan and divisive language when discussing the BOE, and is focused on making significant changes to a highly successful system without fully understanding its success.

Accomplishments:

I have a professional background in education and social services and have worked in several different public school systems. I have been an active volunteer is the New Canaan community for 14 years, serving in leadership positions at each of my children's schools, community organizations, and St. Mark's Church. I currently serve on the Health and Human Services Commission.

Throughout these experiences, I have proven my ability to build consensus among people with differing opinions, and lead groups in finding creative solutions to whatever challenges arise. I am passionate about education and the New Canaan Public Schools and will bring years of knowledge and commitment to the BOE.

Other issues:

NCPS is a top tier school district and needs strong support for the BOE to stay that way.
There are always areas that can be improved in any system. As a BOE member, I will work to increase the level of communication community members and the board to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in school matters.

We have many challenges ahead, including continuing COVID safety regulations, changing school start times, and ongoing curriculum assessment and improvement. I will work hard to listen to all ideas with an open mind, support NCPS towards continued success, and keep a student first mindset in all things.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

New Canaan is a very special community. So many of us initially moved here because of our town's reputation for excellent schools and family friendly focus and then stay because we grow to love the community. I will always hold our students' and our community's needs above outside political agendas. Our schools are excellent, let's keep them that way.