Orange Candidate Profile: Shannan D. Carlson For Amity Bd Of Ed

ORANGE, CT — Election day in Orange is drawing closer, and to help residents make an informed decision on Nov. 5, Orange Patch asked candidates for various elected offices to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues in town.

Shannan D. Carlson, 44, is a Republican who is seeking re-election to the Amity Board of Education.

She is the Principal of Milford's East Shore Middle School. Her husband is Eric Carlson, and they have two children, Caitlin C. Carlson, 16, a Senior at Amity High School, and Christopher C. Carlson, 15, a Freshman at Amity HS.

"My parents, Don and Kathy Perry, live down the street from us, on the same road," she says. "I grew up here!"

Carlson holds a Masters degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and is in the sixth year of Education Leadership at the school, and is in the Superintendent Certification Program at Sacred Heart University where she anticipates a degree in May 2020.

The single most pressing issue facing Orange is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is the continued reduction in state financial support. I continue to serve on the board as an active member to work to sustain a healthy, responsible budget that continues to provide our students with the best possible education.

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

I will continue to work hard to sustain and strengthen the policies and budget, within our learning community, in order to ensure our students have the best possible learning experiences and outcomes - while being mindful of our taxpayers and fiscal responsibilities.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

This is my second term and I am a product of the Amity school system myself. It is with much pride and loyalty that I serve.

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

I am currently an active member on the Amity BOE and also the Chair of the Curriculum Committee.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My parents always taught me you get out of life what you put into it. I live by this motto in everything I do and hope to instill the same in my children.