Election 2021: Dipali Kalia For South Windsor Board Of Education

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Republican Dipali Kalia, 45, is running for the South Windsor Board Of Education.

Occupation: It Analyst

Family:
Husband: Rajat Kalia
Children: Aryan (Senior) and Aarush (Freshman), both at South Windsor High School

Experience: None

Family in government: None

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

As a public-school parent, whose children have gone through most of their school years in the district, I have nothing but great things to say about our schools. However, as they say perfection is not a destination, it’s a journey; there is always room for improvement. I would promote early participation in competitions within the STEM space. Such participation opens the minds of students to an entirely new climate, enhancing their critical thinking, building their communication skills, and elevating curiosity levels, all while instilling them with a drive and perseverance that they will benefit from throughout their school years and further into their careers.
Today, we have a gifted program at our middle school that is heavily focused on humanities. I would advocate for a similar program with a focus on STEM activities and increase participation in activities like science fairs, Statistical competitions, and and math leagues in Elementary and Middle schools both. We need to find ways to accelerate learning to help students fill in their learning gaps.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Being a parent of 2 boys who have excelled inside and outside of classrooms, I understand the unique educational support and opportunities needed for students to achieve their fullest potential. I am an involved parent in the school and in the community, and for me this position is not about politics, and but rather acting in the best interest of all the students and families we serve. The focus of the Board of Ed should be on helping the children become good citizens and achieve their fullest potential. One of the biggest issues faced by our educators today is to bridge the learning gap that has widened from the pandemic. I want to empower our families so we can collaborate as a district to work towards that common goal.

Accomplishments:

I have experience working with international students while interning at the Office of Student Affairs at the University of Bridgeport where I got my Masters degree. Our town is becoming increasingly diverse, and it is very important for the leadership to understand the challenges faced by families and students moving into South Windsor, not only from other towns but also from other countries.
In South Windsor, I have supported the MathCounts program at TEMS for the past 6 years by curating publicly available resources for the team. My son, and Aryan has been a voluntary coach for the team since then. Both my children are now working with a Ugandan orphanage where they have helped set up a computer lab and are now organizing volunteers to teach mathematics.

Other issues:

Teachers being made responsible for more than they should, Raising levels of education in thinking and basic skills, Keeping schools safe, and Optimal use of funding

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am a parent who is very passionate about helping every student make the most of their years in the district. We have a great team of administrators and teachers who work hard every single day to work with our children. Lets support them in whatever ways we can and together we can continue on the path of academic excellence for every single child.

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