2025 Candidates for Enfield, CT

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Recent cuts to the Board of Education have significantly decimated the quality of our school system and have had a drastic impact on the services we provide to our students. The Democratic team is committed to restoring key support staff, sports programs as well as lowering class sizes in Enfield Schools. We aim to accomplish this through a methodically focused plan over the next few years to sustainably restore full funding to Enfield Public Schools.

The Democratic team is committed to restoring the recently cut senior volunteer tax credit program, and the senior minor home repair program, both of which provided vital support to aid our seniors in their cost-of-living challenges in Enfield. The democratic team is committed to ensuring seniors have the opportunity to age in place in their homes and thrive in a vibrant community where they have accelerated access to transportation and recreational opportunities.

The Democratic team supports fully funding our police and providing the needed resources when recommended by our law enforcement leadership. Not deferring the resource recommendations by our exemplary law enforcement personnel to meet political promises during budget time. 

Recent cuts and delayed funding have hindered the ability of our law enforcement to ensure a safe community by failing to fund requested police infrastructure such as vehicles, radios, audiovisual equipment when requested by the Chief of Police during budget cycles and deferring critical investments.

The Democratic team does not support outsourcing key services that residents rely on for short-term savings that ultimately turn into long-term costs for taxpayers. Proposals such privatization of trash collection or recreational programs may result in short term savings, but lead to long term costs fees and less accountability once private corporations control them outside the Town Council’s oversight.

At the same time, we also recognize that further savings for families come from smart investments today that prevent bigger costs developing tomorrow. That means investing in humanities, education, and enrichment programs that give our children and families the tools to succeed in their community. Investing in community services and resources will reduce long-term burdens on families. By strengthening people and neighborhoods up front, we avoid the hidden costs of neglect, inefficiency, and crisis response later on.

Lastly, we are committed to exploring all options within our power to ensure the efficiency of services and savings for taxpayers in-house.

The Democratic team fully supports investing in our critical infrastructure such as repairing our dilapidated elementary schools, continuing to follow through on scheduled road maintenance, pursuing redevelopment opportunities in underutilized areas, fully enforcing blight regulations, beautifying town-owned property, and incorporating community buy-in on town-supported projects.

Imagine a school where every student starts the day feeling secure, supported, and ready to learn.  Teachers have the time, training, and resources they need to inspire confidence and growth in all children.  From safe crosswalks to modern facilities, every corner of our learning spaces say: we believe in you; you will succeed.

We are a team of committed community members running for the Enfield Board of Education because we believe every student deserves a safe, supportive, and high-quality education. Our public schools are at the heart of this community, and it’s time we lead with transparency, responsibility, and compassion. Our campaign is rooted in real concerns from families, educators, and students. We are running to put people—not politics—first.

Every student deserves to feel safe—physically and emotionally—when they walk into school each morning. Over the past year, Enfield has seen a rise in 911 calls, school fights, and other safety concerns. At the same time, many of the staff who were trained to help students de-escalate and manage emotional or behavioral needs have been cut. While the district shifted to armed guards, we lost counselors, behavior specialists, and other professionals who prevent problems before they escalate.

Student safety requires a balanced approach of prevention, protection, and support. Our schools need stronger mental health services, more behavior intervention staff, and restorative practices that teach rather than punish. We are calling for transparency in safety data, better planning, and real collaboration with youth services. We also hear families loud and clear: safer school zones and better signage, especially near busy roads like Route 5, are long overdue.

When educators don’t feel supported, students pay the price. This past year, many teachers and staff were moved to new roles or buildings without adequate support, and morale across the district has suffered. Special education staffing, in particular, is stretched too thin to meet students’ needs.  We know how important it is to intervene early—before learning gaps grow too wide. That’s why we’re committed to building stronger support systems in every school, with clear steps to track student progress and provide the help they need, when they need it. Across the district, we’re working to make these systems consistent, effective, and easy to use—so every student has a real chance to succeed.

Staff deserve respect, professional development, and time to collaborate. That means making space in the schedule for joint planning, investing in instructional support, and offering meaningful training—not one-size-fits-all programs. It also means listening to staff and making staffing decisions with transparency and purpose. A supported team of educators is the foundation of a successful school system.

Even our newest school buildings are facing maintenance issues—and with recent cuts to custodial staff, cleanliness and safety are falling behind. Our schools should reflect the pride we have in our community, and that starts with basic upkeep, proper staffing, and long-term planning.

Well-maintained facilities keep property values strong.  We support reinvesting in custodial and maintenance teams to ensure clean, healthy learning environments. We also believe that the district’s PreK–5 planning process must be transparent, inclusive, and focused on building safe, accessible, and ADA-compliant facilities that serve all learners. 

The district is currently working on a long-term strategic plan and a “Portrait of a Learner” focused on communication skills, mindset, and character. This is a promising opportunity—but only if the plan is backed by real investments in students and staff. We are committed to pursuing grant opportunities and implementing the budget in a way that prioritizes what matters most for our students and community.

The district’s vision must be grounded in everyday realities. That includes pushing for more mental health staff, better classroom support, and resources to help every student thrive. Our schools should not only prepare students for tests, but for life—through programs that build confidence, critical thinking, and community connection.  

Families want more than just emails and announcements—they want to be true partners in education. That starts with respectful two-way communication and continues with real opportunities to shape the future of our schools.

We’re committed to creating more inclusive ways for families to engage with school leadership and to ensuring their voices are heard in every major decision. We also support strengthening partnerships with local youth services, mental health providers, and other community organizations that work directly with kids and families. When schools and communities work together, everyone wins.

We are running to ensure that every Enfield student is safe, supported, and set up for success. We believe in open communication, thoughtful planning, and responsible budgeting—but most of all, we believe in the people of our district. Our schools are strongest when we listen to educators, empower students, and stand together as a community. With your support, we can build the schools Enfield deserves.

Join us in making Enfield’s schools the pride of our town.