Election 2021: Anitha Elango For South Windsor School Board

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Democrat Anitha Elango, 52, is running for the Board Of Education in South Windsor.

Occupation: Teach Biology At Manchester Community College

Family:I have lived with my family in South Windsor for 22 years. Son Surya is 23, Daughter Kavya Ramasamy is 15.

Experience: Currently on the Board of Education, Treasurer, and Town of South Windsor

Family in government: No

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

South Windsor is the fastest growing school district in CT with an exponential growth of the student population. I would like to ensure that our school maintain and improve on their current high standards. In addition and I will work to make sure that our elementary building plan is successfully completed.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My past experience as town Treasurer, has given me insights into how much our town invests in our education system and the financial aspects of budgeting and spending. With the rapidly changing demographics in our town, I am aware of the educational and cultural perspectives which will help our board. The increasing diversity in our schools makes it imperative that we provide an inclusive educational experience in our schools irrespective of the differences in the student's financial, racial or social backgrounds. I have lived in South Windsor for 22 years and my children have attended schools in our school district, magnet and private schools. They have played for the town and school sports teams, and have benefitted from our excellent program and I have been a PTO mom for both the magnet school and our schools. With my exposure to several schooling systems and background as a scientist and an educator I bring a wide range of exposure to help our district make the best decisions for our students and parents. I will focus on encouraging our schools to higher standards of excellence while providing a safe and challenging educational experience. I hope to continue giving back to this lovely town and our school community and I bring a diverse outlook and range of expertise to serve our South Windsor schools on the Board of Education.

Accomplishments:

During these last two years our schools have successfully navigated the pandemic and stayed on task and on budget with our elementary schools building plan. Our last new school is in progress. We have expanded on our math curriculum offering higher level math to middle and High School students. To meet the diverse cultural needs of our school population South Windsor has added Diwali as a school holiday. We now have a Director for equity and diversity to make sure our schools offer an inclusive learning environment.

Other issues:

I would like to foster community relations and dialogue which is the reason why I am part of the South Windsor Human Relations Commission.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am also involved with nonprofits in town. I am a board member of the “Friends of the Wood” memorial library and museum which is a wonderful organization that runs many programs and events for adults and kids to keep our town’s history and culture alive. We recently celebrated Indigenous People’s Day at the Nowashe native village run by the Friends of the Wood.

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