West Hartford Election: Deb Polun For Board Of Education

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Democrat Deb Polun, 48, is running for Board of Education in West Hartford.

Occupation: Executive Director Of The Ct Association For Community Action

Family: My husband, Ian, is a long-time educator and is currently the principal of Fields Memorial School in Bozrah. Our two kids went to Aiken (including the WHEE II after-school program), King Philip, and Hall. Our son Jordan is a 2020 graduate of CCSU and works as a software developer. Our daughter Megan is a junior at Bryant University, majoring in Leadership & Innovation Management and Literary & Cultural Studies.

Experience: Current member of the Board of Education

Family in government: No

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

No doubt the biggest issue facing the West Hartford Public Schools is moving forward from the pandemic, and the resultant academic losses, as well as social/emotional issues. Our district has received about $15 million in federal funds to address these issues, and the Board and school administration have put together a plan that targets those funds to areas in need. These initiatives include: more teachers (for smaller class sizes); more instructional assistants, interventionists, and academic coaches; and social workers to address mental health needs. I was proud to lead the effort that uses this funding to suspend "pay-to-play" and other activity fees, to help all of our students re-engage in their school communities and nurture their passions. If re-elected, I pledge to stay on top of these issues, including addressing new needs as they arise, and to position our students and staff for a successful future.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I bring experience, diplomacy, an open mind, a curiosity of learning, and pragmatism. Specific to the Board, my experience includes serving on the Policy Committee, as a Financial Examiner, as Vice Chair, and I am currently the Chairperson. I’ve also had the opportunity to hear from so many residents, and engage in conversations with people from many different backgrounds and with many different perspectives. I strive to build, strengthen, and maintain positive relationships, including with people with different ideologies. I try to listen carefully and ask questions, as I aim to understand people’s perspectives and hear their concerns. I am a straightforward person and certainly will share a differing view. When possible, and I aim to find common ground.

Accomplishments:

As indicated above, I have served on the Board of Education since 2017, which has allowed me to learn about our schools, and as well as how the Board of Education can work to maintain their excellence and make improvements. My past and current work on the Board positions me well for future service.

Other issues:

We have seen – particularly over the past 18 months – how important it is to have the right people making decisions about our schools, in order to provide a safe, nurturing environment that fosters a love of learning. We need people who will listen to others, who think creatively, and who are not afraid to make difficult choices. We also need steady leadership, and to steer our schools through these difficult times.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I believe the way a school district is led is both a reflection of and a glimpse into the future for a town. I am proud to have served on the Board of Education over the past four years, helping to lead our district through some of the most challenging times, and and it would be my honor to continue to provide steady leadership to our schools into the future.