Wallingford Candidate Profile: Hlavac For Board Of Education

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Karen Hlavac, 62, is running for re-election to the Board of Education as a Republican.

Are you running for office in Wallingford? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Wallingford Patch.

Family:

All three of my children were educated entirely through the Wallingford Public Schools. One of my children has developmental disabilities.

Education:

BS, University of the State of New York, Regents College; Master of Public Health, the University of Connecticut

Occupation:

Registered Nurse 30+ years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Board of Education member for 15 years; past Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Board; current Chairperson of the Operations Committee; delegate to the ACES Governing Board; current Secretary for the State of Connecticut Council on Developmental Services; served on the Connecticut State Advisory Council on Special Education; served as Co-Chairperson of the Connecticut Family Support Council.

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

To provide a quality education for every child, in a safe learning environment, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I intend to review and approve curriculum that is rigorous and meaningful. I intend to support educational opportunities for our students to participate in exciting new programs such as Advanced Manufacturing and the Wallingford Center for Innovation and Design: An Aerospace Experience to Mars. I intend to ensure that our students are safe in our schools by providing ALICE training and by supporting ongoing improvements and enhancements to our school safety policies, procedures and protocols. I intend to maintain fiscal responsibility by reviewing budget proposals and thoroughly questioning the costs associated with those proposals. When making decisions, I always keep in mind what is best for students while being a good steward of public funds.

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

I have 15 years of experience as a Board of Education member; I have life experiences as a parent, grandparent, nurse, and advocate for persons with developmental disabilities

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Collaborating and communicating with parents, teachers, administrators and the public is vital. The sharing of information about our educational system and the feedback that is provided by various groups helps us to identify strengths, limitations, areas of concern and areas of growth. This information helps us to address issues and to enhance the learning experiences of our students. Collaboration and communication are essential for the success of our students and our school system.

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

A Board of Education member is required to assimilate a great deal of information, sometimes in a short period of time, and to make an informed, well- reasoned decision. My previous experience as a Board of Education member indicates that I can handle this job.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Treat others as you would like to be treated, with honesty and kindness.

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

It is a privilege to serve as a Board of Education member. I take my responsibilities as a Board member very seriously. Therefore, I make sure that I am prepared for meetings and that I participate fully in the decision-making process.

Campaign website:

www.wallingfordgop.com