LETTER: Re-Elect Patricia King, Windsor Locks Board of Ed

When I was asked to write a letter of support for Patricia King, candidate for Board of Education, I hesitated as an independent voter. However, I realized the opportunity at hand to tell Mrs. King’s story and what I admire about her.

The King family moved to Windsor Locks from a similar small northern New England town. Pat explained to me years back when I first met her that she and her husband Ron involved her two children in their search for a new hometown. Her children chose Windsor Locks because upon visiting they felt the same charm and friendliness as they did in the town they were leaving behind.

Both eventually became graduates of Windsor Locks High School. Pat further explained that since her family and children were grateful for finding such a great community she wanted to give back by volunteering in the town they had come to call home. Plain and simple.

Pat has served on the Board of Education for 17 years, having been its chairperson for the past 12. She and her husband have both been active in the Windsor Locks Lions Club and local Dollars for Scholars Chapter for a number of years, while maintaining her position as an adjunct faculty member at Elms College within their Graduate School of Nursing master’s degree program.

Pat has provided constant and fair leadership on the Board of Education by first and foremost pursuing her public service with no other agenda than to serve. She has availed herself of school visitations, seminars, retreats, and collaboration to become a better, more informed Board of Education member during those years without losing sight of the intended value, insight, knowledge and experience that the superintendent and school administrators impart. To that end, Pat has been able to blend her support of the administration while keeping her ear to the community that she represents.

Even in times of disagreement and disparagement, Pat has been able to lead fairly with professional decorum and integrity in support of Board of Education policy and decisions. As our schools continue to progress toward full implementation of competency-based learning, it makes sense for Pat to be given the opportunity to continue this notable work that has pushed Windsor Locks into the spotlight as a model that other districts are seeking to emulate as states across the country look for ways to best educate and challenge every student as an individual learner.

It is with great admiration and gratitude that I endorse Mrs. Pat King in her bid to continue her service as a member of the Windsor Locks Board of Education.

Karen Giannelli
Windsor Locks

Patch welcomes letters to the editor on any topic, and reserves the right to edit letters for brevity or clarity. Acceptable letters regarding political candidates will refer to the positive qualities of the candidate; letters which are considered negative toward a candidate's opponent will be edited or unpublished. Email letters, including the writer's name, address and phone, to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Image credit: Patch