Brandy Campbell (R): Old Lyme Candidate for Region 18 Board of Education
Biography:
With a background as a scientist in pharmaceutical development, I bring decades of experience in evidence-based decision making, people management, and higher education. As a proud mother of two children in the LOL schools, I offer a current mother’s perspective. My community involvement includes serving as the Co-Chair of the Old Lyme Conservation Commission and volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, as well as volunteering with an African wildlife conservation organization. Outside of my professional and volunteer commitments, I enjoy traveling, going on safaris, spending time with family, arts and crafts, and all things related to the ocean.
1. Why are you running for the Region 18 Board of Education, and what skills or experiences make you the right candidate for that role?
I will be your partner in education. I’m a parent’s voice, dedicated to ensuring the success of every student. I value family, transparency, honesty, and integrity and I will bring data-driven practical decision making to policies, programs, safety, and spending to the Board of Education. I have children in middle school and high school, and I’m personally invested in their success as well as their peers. I have had the pleasure of being a parent in this school system for the past 10 years, so I understand our community, culture, values, and our school’s expectations for excellence. Having grown up in a small Midwest town and gone through post-doctoral schooling, I understand the value of quality education. Having also grown up in a law enforcement family and with relatives still in the field, I understand safe environments for children. I recognize that community support, family involvement, and a well-rounded diverse education are essential contributors to future academic achievement, future careers, and overall success in life. I am prepared to actively listen to your input. Furthermore, I will contribute my skills, background, and experiences to our discussions. As an engaged parent in the LOL school system and the community, I am committed to maintaining strong educational opportunities that will bring bright futures to all students.
2. In order of importance, what do you see as the top three challenges facing Region 18 over the next four years?
Although promoting enrollment and managing budgets are primary concerns that require attention, I would like to highlight three additional areas of significant challenge that may receive less consideration in other’s responses to this question.
A recent CT teacher’s union poll shows teachers are dealing with high levels of stress and burnout, while other polls show that student wellbeing and stress levels continue to be problematic. Failure to address this issue may compromise the high standard of teaching and learning that is both expected and valued in our town. Maintaining focus on these issues and identifying opportunities to improve mental health and stress levels should remain a top priority. Without happy students and teachers and healthy minds, we will not reach our full potential.
Our school safety program is excellent and surpasses what many schools around the nation have in place. Nonetheless, I will ensure that it remains a top priority. There are continually emerging technologies, enhanced methods, alternative strategies, and supplementary safety protocols available that we can continue to explore to further safeguard both children and staff. We must stay vigilant in this space.
Navigating teaching and learning in a world with AI is quickly becoming increasingly more difficult. It is essential to establish an environment that enables both students and educators to leverage its strengths to optimize teaching and learning efficiencies and outcomes. At the same time, it is vital to establish effective safeguards that discourage misuse and support the ongoing development of students’ critical thinking abilities and intellectual growth. We cannot overlook the fact that students will need the skills to maneuver this new technology to thoughtfully integrate large amounts of readily accessible information into their future pursuits and careers. Finding this balance will require swift and continued attention.
3. How can the school board help keep costs under control while maintaining the district’s reputation for academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities?
The School Board must facilitate open communication and transparent conversations between the school administrators, parents, teachers, and the Board itself. The Board must value differing viewpoints. Diversity of thought is an important part of the decision-making process for effective outcomes. Considering different viewpoints in discussions helps identify the advantages and disadvantages of each spending or cost-saving proposal. Compromise is often essential to ensuring budgetary success. The community, the school, and the Board must prioritize core academics, high quality teachers, and student success, while simultaneously striving to identify reasonable common sense cost savings and spending initiatives.
4. Amid the ongoing national debate over parents’ rights, how should the Board of Education handle conflicts between parents and the district over curriculum, instruction, learning materials or student support?
Board of Education members need to have a comprehensive understanding of the rights of both parents and schools, as outlined by local, state, and federal laws, as well as established school policies. When laws and policies do not provide clear guidance, it is essential to address differing viewpoints through transparency, open dialogue, and a readiness to find compromise by all parties. It is essential to identify equitable solutions that prioritize the needs of all our students and their families.
It is essential for our Board of Education to include members whose values represent the diversity of our community. Parents need to be reassured that they have equal representation on the board and know that the members are not dismissing their concerns or views based on personal bias. There must be mutual respect for all opinions, where parents and guardians work together with the schools to ensure the wellbeing, academic success, and security of each and every student. Each student has the right to an equal opportunity education that provides them with a safe environment, diverse viewpoints, close parent teacher relationships, and where parents and guardians can have input into their child’s public education experience.