Tolland Patch Letter: Supporting 'Attentive' BOE Democrats

TOLLAND, CT — To the Editor:

I appreciate that Tolland's Board of Education members are volunteers. Anyone choosing to run for a seat on the Board is commiting to serve in this capacity with the understanding that they'll be expected to participate in BoE meetings approximately twice per month, advocating for the complex needs of our students and our district. Tolland residents should be able to safely assume that those running for the Board realize the importance of attending the vast majority of Board meetings, due to the important business taking place during these sessions.

It's therefore confusing and very unfortunate that one Republican member missed approximately one half of all Board meetings this past year between September 2020- August 2021, yet he is still running for reelection. This member also serves as the Board of Education Secretary, the Policy Committee (Chair) and has other roles on the Board. His absentee information can be checked by anyone wishing to review the minutes from Board meetings in that timeframe. While it's understandable that some job commitments require extensive travel and time away, when a person's job largely impacts their ability to show up and serve in the role they were elected to fill, then that person should not run for reelection.

Throughout the same period of time, three Tolland residents, now running as candidates for the Tolland Board of Education, prioritized attendance at most Board of Education meetings, whether in person or via ZOOM. Jennifer Gallichant, Jayden Regisford and Michelle Harrold have each proven themselves to be consistently engaged in our schools and community, and they're invested in the best interests of our students. They are committed to the privilege of serving on our Board of Education. Each of these individuals are true advocates for our children. Along with present Board of Education members Dana Philbin and Sophia Shaikh, these candidates will work to make Tolland Public Schools stronger and more competitive.

Please join me in voting for all of the Democrats running for Tolland's Board of Education on November 2nd.

Deirdre Goldsmith

Tolland