New Canaan Election 2021: Karen Willett 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 Karen Willett, 45, is running for the Board of Education in New Canaan.

Family: I have two sons. George is 10 and Teddy is 15.

Family in government: No

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

The most pressing issue in New Canaan is this Board of Education election and what it means for the future of our excellent schools. I am committed to keeping politics out of our BOE and our schools so that we are able to focus on what is best for student achievement and well-being.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have attended most BOE meetings, curriculum reviews and public hearings and parent education forums over the last several years and have a good understanding of how our schools operate. I know what works and serves our children well and I have specific ideas of things that could be improved.

Accomplishments:

My professional experience includes fifteen years in consulting and Human Resources at PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM. I served on the board of the West School Parent Teacher Council and as VP of Programs and then as co-president from 2018-2020.

Other issues:

As a BOE member, I will improve how the BOE communicates with parents and the community. I will ensure that New Canaan retains local control of our schools, both our operations and our curriculum. I love our schools and that is important, as our children spend a lot of time there. I will work hard and be receptive to feedback so that all New Canaan parents can feel the same.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

This contested race for the Board of Education is a very important election. I got involved to ensure that our BOE is nonpartisan and has a productive partnership with an excellent administration.

Although there is always room for improvement (and continuous improvement is a big part of the work that the BOE does), New Canaan has been doing a great job educating our children.

It is distressing to think we might elect BOE members who would disrupt that success. I hope people of all political parties will take a close look at each candidate before voting.