Stafford Elections 2023: Eileen Bartlett, Board of Education

STAFFORD, CT — Eileen Bartlett is running for a seat on the Stafford Board of Education in the 2023 election.

Name

Eileen Bartlett

How old will you be as of Election Day?

38

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Stafford Springs, CT

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican Party

Education.

Graduate of Stafford High School and Associate’s Degree from Asununtuck Community College

What is your occupation?

Dispatcher and Realtor

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband, Jeremy
Two bonus sons, Jamison and Sawyer
Daughter, Natalie attending Stafford High School
Son, Noah attending Stafford Middle School
Daughter, Ava attending Stafford Elementary School
3 dogs

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking office in order to actively contribute to our community and schools in a positive way. I want our children to receive the best education possible, while also allowing our teachers to receive the support and materials they need to do their job effectively.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The budget. As a resident, I understand the importance of respecting the tax payers and making sure the district maximizes grant funding and creatively approaches financial challenges to focus the budget on resources that will increase student achievement. It is extremely important to me that our students and teachers receive what they need, while not cutting vital programs that allow our children to have productive outlets.

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

First, I think anyone running for the Board of Education has the best interest of Stafford’s Schools in mind. I think the biggest difference between myself and the other candidates is that I am a lifelong resident of Stafford Springs, with a deep knowledge of and connection to the community.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Beyond budget, I feel very strongly about monitoring age appropriate content for our students. I also feel our equity and inclusivity policy should be audited and reviewed on a regular basis. I will strive for our schools to be a safe place for each child to be grow, feel supported and receive a quality education while maintaining family relationships and participation in our school system. I believe family’s have the right to decide when and how certain topics are taught at home and that not every subject should be taught by a teacher within the school setting.

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

I am a notoriously hard worker. I have successfully maintained a home with 5 children who participate in many activities. I work full time as a first responder, continually problem solving many difficult and life threatening situations. I have built a thriving Real Estate career while productively working with a multitude of people and personalities, maintaining good relationships for 16+ years. I regularly volunteer for Our Heroes Fund, a non profit which helps military, police, fire personnel, and their families who have been affected by in the line of duty deaths or severe medical conditions, by planning fundraising events and maintaining budgets. I coach youth basketball in town and volunteer on the board of the Stafford Youth Football program as a Sponsorship Coordinator. I am also the daughter and sister of Stafford teachers (retired and present), and have first hand experience of our school’s Special Education program.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you are going to do something, do it well.