Stratford Election 2021: Sean Kennedy Running For Board Of Ed

STRATFORD, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and more.

Stratford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Sean Kennedy, 34, is running for election to the Stratford Board of Education as a Republican.

Occupation: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist For The State Of Connecticut Department Of Aging And Disability Services

Experience: Member and past Chair of the Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families, Member of the Stratford Parks and Recreation Committee, and Sterling House Community Center volunteer

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

If I am elected to serve as a member of Stratford’s Board of Education, my primary goal would be to ensure that all students receive a high quality and equitable education, regardless of their educational profile. The focus would be to ensure consistent communication and to help bring unity throughout our school community. Through effective collaboration, it is important that we establish an environment that provides a clear and consistent direction for Stratford Public Schools by optimizing available resources and maximizing educational opportunities.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I believe that my career experience as a State of Connecticut employee for the past nine consecutive years makes me a quality candidate to serve as a member of the Board of Education for the Town of Stratford. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, I specialize in working with high school special education students to help them prepare for their future. As a Board Member it is the responsibility of the Board to do what is best for Stratford students. This requires effective collaboration with students, families, and educators. I have experience working with many various school districts (30 schools in total) on a daily basis and I have served on and participated in multiple statewide committees geared towards education, both as an active member and as a Chair. I feel confident in my understanding of what makes Stratford a great school district, as well as the areas that need improvement, which we must address to continue to provide the best quality education for our students.

Accomplishments:

Having lived in Stratford my entire life and attended and graduated from Stratford Public Schools, I know this Town and can serve it well. I am a very active member of our community. As a current member and past Chair of the Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families, and a volunteer for Sterling House Community Center for many years, I have had the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with families, educators, and students to help make Stratford a strong community. I believe because of my work and life experiences, I understand what makes Stratford a great community and what direction we need to take to ensure our education system in Stratford is strong.

Other issues:

Some other issues I intend to address as a Board Member include:

1. Consistency and positive communication across our school community

2. Unity and equity

3. Working to ensure that all students are afforded the opportunity to maximize their educational experiences

What else would you like voters to know about you?

It would be an honor for me to give back to a community which has afforded me many opportunities in life. Stratford Public Schools, with the combination of its highly qualified educators, coaches, counselors, and administrators helped shape me to be the person I am today. I cannot think of anything more fulfilling than paying my gratitude forward by collaborating with district stakeholders to strengthen our school communities so they can continue to grant opportunities for Stratford students. I look forward to your support, and your vote, so that I can contribute to moving Stratford schools forward in their efforts to prepare our students for a successful future.

Are you running for office in Stratford? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Stratford Patch.