Patch Candidate Profile: Beth C. Natt​​, 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.

Pediatrician Beth C. Natt, 47, is running for election to the Easton Board of Education as a Democrat.

Education.

Joel Barlow High School, 1994; Bates College, BS 1998; University of Connecticut MD and MPH 2003; Yale School of Management, MBA-Healthcare Track 2023

What is your occupation?

Pediatrician

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

My husband Jeff Borofsky and I met at Joel Barlow High School and have been married for nearly 25 years. We have 4 children, Amber (18), Sydney and Lillian (17) and Maxwell (11).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

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

no

Why are you seeking this office?

First and foremost, I have a deep personal connection to the Easton school district. As a mother, I've had four children who have gone through the Easton school system, with my youngest a current student at HKMS. Additionally, I am a product of the Easton Schools myself, which underscores my long-standing ties to our community.

As both a mother and a pediatrician, I hold high-quality education in the highest regard. My professional background in pediatrics has given me a unique perspective on the educational needs of children in our community. I believe that every child in Easton deserves an excellent education, and I am committed to working to ensure that this is a reality.

Furthermore, as a lifelong resident of Easton, I understand that our school system is one of our shining jewels. It plays a crucial role in the well-being and future of our community. Preserving and enhancing the school system's quality is not just a personal goal, but a responsibility I take seriously as a dedicated member of Easton. It's essential to recognize that a strong school district is not only an investment in our children's future but also in our community's overall well-being. A good school district is vital for maintaining property values, ensuring that our town remains an attractive and desirable place to live for families and individuals alike.

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 my constituents is the importance of focusing on the education of our children and leaving politics to the side. This is how I would like to approach my time as a member of the Easton Board of Education.

1. Children first: I am committed to putting the educational needs of our children first. Our children's learning should not be caught in the crossfire of political debates. I will work to ensure that our educational policies are based on what's best for the students, free from political bias.

2. Quality Over Politics: My focus will be on the quality of education, not the political points it can score. I intend to promote policies and practices that genuinely enhance the learning experience for our students.

3. Support for the Superintendent: I will actively support our Superintendent to ensure that they can lead the school district effectively. By providing the Superintendent with the necessary resources and support, we can enhance the overall quality of education in our community.

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

Lifelong Commitment to Children: I have a lifelong commitment to children, both personally and professionally. My background as a pediatrician with over two decades of dedication to children's health gives me a deep understanding of the complexities of education, especially for children with learning differences and special healthcare needs. This unique perspective allows me to advocate to support all students.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making: I have a strong track record of using an evidence-based approach in my medical practice to make informed decisions for my young patients. I firmly believe that this same approach should be used in our educational system. By relying on evidence and data, rather than politics, we can ensure that our educational processes are built on sound, proven practices that benefit our students and our community as a whole.

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

Teacher turnover is a significant concern. A dedicated and stable workforce is vital for our educational system. I will work to understand the reasons behind higher turnover in Easton and implement strategies to retain experienced teachers who are familiar with our processes and values.

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

As a mother of four, a lifelong resident of Easton, and a pediatrician with over 20 years of dedication to children, I bring a unique set of qualifications to the role of a Board of Education member. My historical knowledge of the school district and deep ties to the community equip me with a valuable understanding of our local education needs and the concerns of our constituents. Additionally, my recent MBA demonstrates my commitment to effective leadership and decision-making, as well as an understanding of the complexities of the financial decisions that our school board must participate in. This combination of personal, professional, and educational experiences makes me well-prepared to serve in this role.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Mr. Rogers, who famously said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

This advice has stayed with me throughout my life, reminding me that in the face of challenges and uncertainty, there are always individuals willing to step up and make a positive difference. It has inspired me to be one of those helpers, whether as a pediatrician, a girl scout leader, volunteering on committees at my temple, or as someone dedicated to improving our local educational system.

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

I would like voters to know that I am a strong proponent of public education. All four of my children have attended Easton schools, and my husband and I are products of the same system. I've witnessed firsthand how well-prepared our children have been for college, which is a testament to the dedication of our school staff and leadership.

Easton's schools are indeed one of the key factors that make our town the Jewel of Fairfield County, and I am committed to ensuring they remain a shining example of educational excellence.
It’s very important to me that every child in our district receives the support they need to succeed in school. Additionally, I am dedicated to creating a school environment that is inclusive, supportive, and comfortable for all our learners. Education should be an empowering and enriching experience for every child in our community, and I will work to support our district to make this a reality.