Vernon Candidate Profile 2019: Patricia Buxton, School Board

VERNON, CT — Vernon's election season is heating up, and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to represent their town in November's municipal election. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and has been publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Patricia E. Buxton

Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019)

56

Town of Residence:

Vernon

Position Sought

Board of Education Member

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

I have a husband and loving daughter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, I'm the first.

Education

I graduated from the University of Hartford with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Occupation

I’ve been in education my whole adult life. Currently I’m an Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Bridgeport.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

I’m a current member of the Board of Education.

Campaign Website

https://www.facebook.com/Verno...

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There are myriad issues that board of education members must face: closing the achievement gap, strengthening social emotional learning, school safety, access to new technology, funding, chronic absenteeism just to name a few. All are currently being addressed simultaneously via the daily work that is carried out by the superintendent, school administration, faculty, staff, and the board of education as a whole and its subcommittees such as policy, curriculum & instruction, communications, and facilities. So, to answer the question, my intention is to carry on with the mission of Vernon Public Schools and provide a quality education, with high expectations, in a safe environment to all students.

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

Respectfully, simply knowing the facts. Minutes of Board of Education meetings are posted for all to read on the Vernon Public Schools website https://www.vernonpublicschool...

List other issues that define your campaign platform

Again, knowing the facts. More Vernon youth are choosing their home school while fewer are choosing to attend magnet schools. In fact, student achievement results from 2019 show steady improvement with Vernon having one of the highest growth rates in the state. Of note are the 252 students at Rockville High school who received college credit last school year. Among Seniors, 71% of the 2019 graduating class earned college credit which translated to a total of $497,479 in savings on college tuition; 93 graduates were awarded scholarships totaling $305,018 and 89% planned to further their education at a two- or four-year college or university.

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

I was in my mid-twenties when I began teaching in Vernon at the Talcottville School as a special education teacher. Over the years I have learned from parents, students and co-workers many lessons that helped me serve as department head, assistant principal, principal, and director of education. This practical experience is what ultimately propelled me towards an appointment as a university professor and board of education member. So, perhaps one might cite having a long career in education as evidence that I can handle this job. But rather, I would like to think the best evidence that I can handle this job is the fact that after 30 years I have the expertise to do the job well.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

That sometimes the advice you tell other people is the advice you need to follow.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

No matter what your party affiliation or your position, please exercise your right to vote on November 5th.