Lamont Names DuBois-Walton ​​As CT Board of Education​ Chair

NEW HAVEN, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont named Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton of New Haven as chairperson of the Connecticut State Board of Education, he announced Friday.

Lamont appointed DuBois-Walton to the board in June 2020.

DuBois-Walton is the president of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven, the Glendower Group, LLC, the development affiliate of HANH, and 360 Management Group, Inc., the property management affiliate. She is responsible for administrative, programmatic, and policy direction regarding public housing, housing choice voucher programs, finances, and planning and development activities.

DuBois-Walton previously served as chief of staff and chief administrative officer for former New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, and master’s degree and Ph.D. from Boston University. She is actively involved on several nonprofit boards, including the Melville Charitable Trust, ACES Education Foundation, and Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, dedicating time to creating greater equity for those who are marginalized.

“Karen has been an incredibly active member of the New Haven community throughout her career, particularly focused on removing barriers to fair housing among marginalized communities, reversing housing segregation patterns, and making improvements in under-resourced neighborhoods,” Lamont said.

“Over these last couple of years, she has been a valuable voice as a member of the State Board of Education, utilizing her experience to bring a much-needed perspective to this important body, which is why I feel that having her serve as its next chairperson is a natural fit."

DuBois-Walton was quoted as saying she's excited to lead the state education board "at this pivotal moment." She said the board will "design and implement the next five-year plan guiding our efforts to create equity for all Connecticut learners."

“These past two years have created unimaginable challenges, and our school communities have demonstrated persistence and creativity in meeting the moment while centering safety, wellness, and learning,” DuBois-Walton said. "There’s much to do as we move forward, and I thank Governor Lamont for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the Board into our next chapter.”

Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said DuBois-Walton’s "knowledge and experience will assist in our advancement of the board’s mission."

"Together, the State Department of Education and State Board of Education will chart the course for our next five-year plan to ensure equity and excellence for all of Connecticut’s students,” she said.
Lamont said he's appreciative DuBois-Walton accepted the new role.

The governor said he looks forward to working with her to "ensure that Connecticut’s public schools remain among the best in the nation, and that every child has access to a top-quality education that sets them on a path to success," he said.