2023 Stamford Election Profile: Jackie Heftman For Board Of Education

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 7 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Stamford

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Name

Jackie Heftman

What city or town do you live in?

Stamford

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Mary Karl Vocational School; some college

What is your occupation?

Retired

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

Married; two sons (graduates of Stamford High School); 5 grandchildren attending public schools

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Elected to Board of Education in 2008 completing 5th term. Past member and chairwoman of Stamford Zoning Board and Urban Redevelopment Commission. Past president of Stamford’s Parent Teacher Council. Current Stamford Democratic City Committee member District 20

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 running for re-election because I believe my experience, historical perspective and leadership skills can help the Board to continue to be high functioning, and supportive of the superintendent as she moves the district forward for students and staff.

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

Fulfilling our mission to provide an education that cultivates productive habits of mind, body and heart in every student. I will support policies and initiatives which further that end.

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

I have no opponent.

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

I am the incumbent and have no opposition.

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

Universal pre-K, elementary reading proficiency, creating a welcome center for newly arriving families, hiring and retaining a diverse teaching force, and addressing social-emotional needs of students.

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

Elected to the Board of Education in 2008; current Board president; chairwoman of negotiating committee for all bargaining unit contracts; trustee on Mechanics and Custodians Pension Board; executive committee member of Stamford Cradle to Career; member of Stamford School Building Committee; past Chairwoman of Stamford Zoning Board and Urban Redevelopment Commission, past president of Stamford’s Parent Teacher Council, paraprofessional at Roxbury School.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Give back to your community through volunteerism

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am passionate about public education. I believe it is the great equalizer which enables anyone to achieve the American dream. I believe in an equitable distribution of resources to ensure that the needs of all our students can be met.