Susan Dean-Candidate for Regional School District #17  Board of Education

I am proud to be a 34-year resident of Killingworth, with 43 years of teaching in District 17 schools. I taught over 2,000 children in my career, working with their families as a vital part of the process.  I still maintain contact through substitute teaching. Being president of the Haddam-Killingworth Education Association for over two decades. I am familiar with school staff and programs. Chairing the Connecticut Education Association Legislative Commission has shown me the significant role of enacted law in school funding, regulations, and mandates.

I currently serve on the Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission, the Conservation Commission, and am a member of the Democratic Town Committee.

With retirement I have the time and the energy to become involved in a different aspect of our educational system. Learning programs, budget concerns, and legislation shaping our schools, are areas in which I have experience. Unfunded mandates and the tax burden on property owners are two important issues that I have discussed frequently with Ed Meyer, our State Senator, and Brian O’Connor, our State Representative.

My wide range of experiences in our education system makes me uniquely qualified to serve as a member of the regional school board. In my retirement there is time to meet with faculty and administrative staff for input, to visit schools to observe learning programs, and to participate in school activities. I attended an informative meeting last month for town officials regarding goals and issues for the upcoming school year.

As a school board member, I will be available for your questions, comments, and feedback. Education is a community effort. We need to work together to give our children the best educational opportunities for their futures and the future of our community and nation.

I ask for your support and your vote in November.

Susan Dean