North Haven Candidate Profile: Cecarelli For Board Of Education

NORTH HAVEN, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in North Haven and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

North Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jennifer Cecarelli, 50, is running for re-election to the Board of Education as a Democrat.

Are you running for office in North Haven? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to North Haven Patch.

Family:

My husband of 26 years is lifelong North Haven resident Rich Cecarelli, and we have two children who are both sophomores! Charlotte is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania and Andy is a sophomore at North Haven High School. We are a family of active volunteers who are passionate about music, social justice, and giving back.

Education:

BS in Family Studies/Child Development, MS in Elementary Education, 6th Year Professional Degree in Foundations of Education

Occupation:

I have been an educator and education consultant for over 25 years. I have taught in the Middletown Public Schools for 22 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

I currently serve on the North Haven Board of Education, and am so grateful to be able to serve my community in this way!

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe that ensuring all families have an equal voice in our school district is the single most pressing issue facing our town. This includes families who may not currently have children in our schools. The education budget makes up more than 50 percent of the town's annual operating budget, and this impacts all of our residents. Listening to residents who are concerned about keeping taxes low is as important as listening to families who currently have students attending our schools. Making sure that our school system gives all students what they need to succeed, regardless of race, identified gender, or ability is also essential. This is also true with reference to ensuring that all families feel comfortable raising their concerns with stakeholders at all levels - most especially with members of the Board of Education.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am an active teacher with over 25 years of experience working with children of all abilities, teachers, and families. I am able to recognize the potential impact of systemic and curricular decisions on all stakeholders, and I am able to support our students, teachers, and families from of a place of current experience with all three. I have a deep understanding of curriculum design, child development, and professional development, as well as current knowledge of best practices and State mandates in education.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

My Top 3 Initiatives in my second term would be: 1) To continue to improve communication among all educational stakeholders: the Board, North Haven residents and families, teachers, and administrators. 2) To ensure educational equity among all students, 3) To continue to provide an outstanding educational experience for all students at a reasonable cost to taxpayers.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In addition to my strong background in education, my previous experience on the North Haven Board of Education has provided me with a strong foundation for further growth as a member of the Board. As a North Haven Board of Education member, I have supported families, teachers, and students through my collaboration with fellow Board members, and the North Haven Public Schools administration. I have served on the Board’s Finance Committee, been a Board representative on the PTA Council, served on various hiring committees, and worked on teacher contract negotiations.

I have a proven track record of supporting stakeholders from the perspectives of parent, teacher, and taxpayer, and I have made outstanding education my life’s work. This passion for educational excellence that serves all families is why I am seeking re-election.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

I have had a couple of key things shared with me that have really stuck with me, and become part of my personal credo. First, there are many things in life that you cannot control; however, you can always control your attitude and your effort. Second, don't seek to be liked; rather seek to be undeniably compassionate, seek integrity, and seek humility. With these as priorities, you can make decisions that are positive, peaceful, and productive.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I consider the work I do on the North Haven Board of Education to be a privilege. I am passionate about education and families. It is my life's work, and I would be honored to be able to continue my service for a second term.

Campaign website:

https://northhavendemocrats.or...