Tina Malhotra Running For Ridgefield Board Of Education

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Tina Malhotra is running for Board Of Education in Ridgefield.

Experience: Board Of Education, Co Chair Ridgefield Prevention Council, and Member Ridgefield Youth Commission

Family in government: No

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

I believe the social emotional health of our kids, especially faced with the challenges of COVID, is a critical area of focus. I have spoken about SEL many times at BOE meetings. We need to identify, address/course correct the needs that exist K-12. RPS has invested in DBT training and RULER programs, to name a few initiatives already in place, and we need to ensure that programming and honest conversations continue.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am unique because I am the only candidate who is currently serving on the BOE and, because I have been educated all over the world, I have a different perspective. I represent small town values with a global twist. My 7 plus years as a parent leader confirms that I am truly a community member who is passionate about education and its role in our town, who strives to represent all voices. Additionally, my years of work on other town boards and organizations helps me contribute an in-depth understanding of how our local government works. I talk to all, listen to all, work with all, and I will continue to be a voice for all.

Accomplishments:

Besides my current service and record as a sitting BOE member, I have also been a PTA parent leader for years. I know how to share and be the voice for parents. Over many years, I have built a strong network and relationships among parents with children of all ages, our dedicated teachers and town leaders and RPS administration. I work with all for every child’s best interest with zero agenda. My passion for education and youth is evidenced by my involvement beyond the BOE in other organizations that support our youth. Additionally, my work for my family’s many diverse businesses overseeing thousands of employees spread across Europe and Asia means I know how to successfully manage complex projects. Children cannot be fit into neat boxes and my past work along with PTA leadership and Co-chairing Ridgefield Prevention Council, and member Youth Commission and more are a testament that fact drives my ideas. I am devoted to representing not 1 or 2 or 3 but ALL the 4000+kids in RPS.

Other issues:

I passionately believe that as long as we ensure equity in the courses we offer, the support systems we provide, the social emotional health initiatives we develop, the enrichment/intervention plans we deploy, and even the food choices at our schools, and we can be sure to serve the needs of ALL kids. Equity is the powerful driver of the inclusive environment our kids deserve.
I am focused on the belief that every student is an individual who does not fit into a mold.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have spent 7 of the 9 plus years I have been in town being an involved parent and an active community member. I do this work because I passionately believe in the value of our public education system. Every single decision I make at the Board table is driven by the question, “Is this the best for our kids?” What is best for kids is the core question. I balance the answer to that question with the need to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer money, so that each investment is appropriate. My management degree, my global management role in my family business, and my years as a PTA parent leader means I understand the importance of smart spending to create the best outcomes for our children.