Patch Candidate Profile: Alicia Young, Easton Board of Education

EASTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Easton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Alicia Young, 51, is running for re-election to the Easton Board of Education as a Republican.

Education.

University of Connecticut, dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Journalism

What is your occupation?

Marketing and Communications - 25 years; former local news reporter Hartford Courant

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Jay Young, husband and two daughters Avery (15) and Sophia (11)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Current. Appointed to fill a vacancy on the Easton Board of Education in 2022.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am a long-time resident of Easton, a graduate of Joel Barlow High School and a parent of two children in the Easton school system. In 2022, I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Easton Board of Education. I currently serve on the Curriculum and Facilities committees. Earlier this year, I also joined the Easton PTO Board.

I believe the Board of Education must continue to prioritize rigorous academic achievement for every student, and the recovery of learning loss due to the pandemic. Specifically, I am committed to:

Ensuring financial resources are effectively used to toward the best educators, programs, materials, and facilities needs among Easton’s peer districts.
Minimizing distractions that risk maintaining a student-first focus.
Building new and innovative ways to evolve our district.

We must focus our resources on student achievement, while balancing the commitment to taxpayers. We lost precious years of learning that our children - mine included - will never get back, and that must be addressed. I also believe in fostering authentic relationships between our schools, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community at large. It takes everyone working together. We are a top school district within our state, and I believe every Easton resident should be proud of that.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing Easton schools is delivering on our promise of individual academic achievement for every student, at every level and at every grade. I believe we are on a good path under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Jason McKinnon, who has developed a strategic framework for our district. Our schools are one of Easton's greatest assets...something I have experienced as a former ER9 student, a parent and a Board member.

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

Anyone seeking election to the Board of Education must place a priority on academic achievement, and I hope they view the role as I do - as both a privilege and meaningful responsibility - to deliver a world-class education to our children.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Since joining the Board in 2022, I have served on the Curriculum Committee and newly formed Facilities Committee. I want to address perennial infrastructure issues at both school buildings while developing a financial plan that proactively addresses future repairs and needs.

There are issues at both schools that require attention, and I believe if these same recurring problems were happening within any of our homes, they would have already been addressed.

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

I am a driven, results-orientated leader with a proven ability to bring people together toward a shared goal. I am a Founding Managing Partner of FINN Partners, a global communications and marketing agency that is committed to collaboration and professional development. FINN has been recognized as a Best Place to Work (2013), the Mid-sized Agency of the Year (2015 and 2022) and Best New Agency (2012). I am an award winning, trusted communications professional who has led global programs that build brands, shape reputation, and drive business. I have been named a 40 Under 40 Outstanding Alumni by the University of Connecticut, received the Model of Excellence Award (with Women in Technology) from Dress for Success, delivered a keynote address on mentorship, education and the digital divide at the United Nations Annual Commission of the Status of Women and was a panelist with The Geno Auriemma Leadership Summit. I have volunteered with God’s Love We Deliver, Covenant House, The Connecticut Food Bank and NY Common Food Pantry. I am a current member of the Easton PTO Board.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

What got you here won't get you there.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My commitment to Easton and the desire to give back to this community has been shaped by my parents, who have both been active on our local boards, commissions and town committees for years. I owe my involvement and my deep sense of commitment to them.