Wilton Election: Jared T. Martin For Board Of Education

WILTON, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Unaffiliated candidate Jared T. Martin, 41, is running for Board of Education in Wilton.

Occupation: Financial Technology Sales Engineer

Family:
Wife: Marnelli, 40
Son: Joah, 11
Daughter: Hara, 6

Family in government: No

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

Educational decay has been creeping into our district across all grade levels and is most prevalent within the STEM subject...most critically Math. Our community has been offsetting this decay through private tutoring, maintaining the public school's reputation.
I intend to bring transparency to the issue to allow our community to appreciate the need for accountability and ownership moving forward. In collaboration with other board members, I will implement consistent, and quantifiable metrics to allow unbiased measurement of changes implemented.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have spent 18+ years in the most highly regarded corporations where 360 reviews and accountability have been commonplace. In these environments, I have learned the value of “fail fast”, rapid adaptation, and consistent expectations of excellence.

I am a parent of two children within the school district. My son Joah, who is in sixth grade, informed my understanding of the current state of Miller-Driscoll through Middlebrook regarding the culture and curriculum. My first-grade daughter, Hara, solidifies my resolve in strengthening the process for all kids throughout the school district.

Lastly, I am unaffiliated. I have never been a member of a political party, nor have I run for any office of any sort. I would never allow a political party to dictate my decisions through adopting the platform of the state or federal party. I represent a platform for fathers, parents, residents of Wilton, transparency, and a fact-based approach to problem-solving.

Accomplishments:

I have had successes throughout my life through setting lofty goals that take years to accomplish. These achievements have been realized at the local, state, and national levels across academics, athletics, and arts. I was able to secure my first job at one of the premier investment banks with a degree in biological sciences. I have used lifelong learning as we have gone through multiple financial crises, and consistently curating additional skills to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the marketplace. I don’t come into the role on the Board of Education with pre-existing biases or relationships that would diminish my desire to represent the town above all else.

Other issues:

Transparency: The board should expect and receive complete and accurate transparency from the administration and should distribute that information to the town.

Advocate for residents and not act as an extension of the School Administration.

Critical Thinking: Truth can only be found through complete unbiased analysis of the full distribution of information

Diversity of thought is key to a successful transition into society

Wilton deserves to make decisions for our town and not Hartford

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Integrity, honesty, curiosity, and an expectation of constant improvement are core to who I am as a person and what I would bring as a Board member.