New Canaan resident Jennifer Richardson is seeking the endorsement of the Republican Party for re-election to the Board of Education. We put some questions to the incumbent about her candidacy. Our exchange follows.
New Canaanite: Tell us about yourself—how long have you lived in New Canaan, what have you been involved with here in town and what led you to your decision to seek re-election?
Board of Education member Jennifer Richardson is seeking the Republican Party endorsement for re-election at the July 20 caucus. Contributed
Jennifer Richardson: My name is Jennifer Richardson and I am running for re-election onto the Board of Education. I moved to New Canaan in 1983 and am a graduate of New Canaan High School. I returned to New Canaan in 1998 after my husband and I, Tom, were married. I am a mother of three NCHS graduates and have a junior daughter at New Canaan High School. I have served on the BOE for two terms (2013-present) and am hopeful that I will be re-elected in order to continue to work and support our schools and community. Prior to my position on the BOE, I was the Saxe Middle School PTC President (2011-2013) and have been an active member of our High School PFA with positions including Post Prom Co-Chair (2x), New to New Canaan HS Co-Chair (twice), and New Canaan Scholarship Foundation Color Run Co-Chair (twice). In addition to the high school PFA, I am an active volunteer at our church, Food Rescue US and am a National Charity League Grade Level advisor. I am seeking re-election on the board because I love our town. I grew up here and have loved raising my family here. I care deeply about our public schools and our beautiful town and want to give back to the community that has given me so much. I am engaged in many different aspects of our town and believe that my breadth of experience and knowledge will benefit the board in making decisions going forward.