Politics & Government

Q&A: BoE Candidate Mimi Peck-Llewellyn

Incumbent Republican has been active with Girl Scouts

Note: In the days leading up to Election Day, the Ledyard Patch will run short profiles of all town candidates for council and board of education, along with their responses to three questions that we asked. Election Day is Nov. 8.

Name:  Mimi Peck-Llewellyn

Age:  58

Find out what's happening in Ledyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Education: BS in Education and Communications from Southern Connecticut State University; JD from Ohio Northern University; Masters of Law (LLM) from George Washington University.

Work Experience:  U.S. Navy JAG Corps Veteran, active and reserves for 32 years; Attorney, Program Developer and Advocate for issues of importance to elders in CT (1993 to present)

Find out what's happening in Ledyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Civic/Political Experience: 

  • Currently serving as an appointee to the Board of Education for the second time, having served on the Policy, Facilities & Land Use and Strategic Planning Committees;
  • Town of Ledyard Charter Revision Commission (2008-9) and Town Council Committee to Investigate a Town Manager Form of Government (2010-present)
  • Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years; former Trainer, Service Unit consultant and delegate to CT Council, and National Delegate
  • Ledyard High School Athletic Booster, music and drama programs supporter; Sr. Class Party Committee 2003 & 2008; former JWL School volunteer
  • St. David’s Episcopal Church – Vestry Member and Youth Mentor; former Senior Warden and Rector Search Committee
  • Executive Boards of the Elder Law Section, CT Bar Association and CT Coalition to Improve End of Life Care

Family:  A Ledyard resident for 22 years, married to Dennis for 30 years, children Emmy and Matt both attended Ledyard Public Schools from K - 12.

 

1. Why are you running for this office? 

I was raised in a family that exemplified what I know as the Girl Scout promise – serving God and my country, helping people at all times and living by the Girl Scout Law. That necessarily has involved a commitment to public service – and a commitment to supporting the well-being of our youth and our elders. I frequently talk about wanting to get the most “bang” for taxpayer dollars. Our community gets that “bang” with a Board of Education whose members are committed to the children of Ledyard and to working together to ensure that Ledyard has a top-notch educational system. Homeowners, whether or not they have children in the school system, get that “bang” in increased property values. Our children get that “bang” from a school system that provides rigorous academic opportunities and instruction as well as opportunities for community service, the arts and athletics as components of a quality public school education that prepares them with life-long values for the future.

2. What do you believe is the greatest challenge Ledyard schools face today, and what would you do to meet this challenge?

Like most school districts, the Ledyard schools face the economic challenges of declining state aid and increasing dependence on local taxes. How can we be good stewards of taxpayers’ money, be efficient and effective, while maintaining and improving quality? During my tenure on the Board, I have seen the value of nonpartisan teamwork – Board, administrators, educators, staff –which can only serve to benefit our town and our children. That teamwork must extend to our leaders and staff in town government, and all the residents of Ledyard. When it comes to quality education in particular, major challenges include ensuring student success not only when it comes to the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind but also in meeting career and college readiness standards; providing opportunities for all students to achieve and excel so that they can be contributing members of their communities; maintaining safe environments and facilities for student learning; and promoting teacher quality and performance. To meet these challenges the Board needs to continue to implement policies and practices that provide accountability for improving student performance, achievement and preparation for life after high school; enhance two-way communication between the school system and community – clear, easy and frequent; and support technological and curriculum development.

3. How would you rate the performance of the current board overall, and what, if anything, would you do differently? 

I give the current Board high marks for bipartisan cooperation and sticking to the statutory business of the Board – providing leadership and citizen oversight, establishing a long-term vision (strategic plan) for the district, and setting district policies and goals, while the Superintendent carries out the policies and manages the day-to-day operations of the district. For example, Board chair Sharon Hightower has provided exceptional overall leadership; Policy chair Gordon Strickland has monitored statutory changes in laws affecting the school system and ensured that our policies conform; and Negotiations chair Tom Malone has exhibited fairness and firmness in equal measure as the “face” of the Board. I learned early that the work of the Board doesn’t just happen. No matter what experience its members bring to the table, there is a lot to learn about the public school operating system, the “alphabet” jargon of education, strategic planning, and tools for evaluating progress in student achievement and meeting our district goals. And then there is the financial aspect. I commend my colleagues for the integral role they have had in promoting student achievement and success not merely to meet minimal levels, but to exceed goals through collaboration with Central Office staff, administrators and educators. In looking forward, we need to be creative in maximizing our resources – funding, staff, and facilities – as our local student population declines. We need to foster three way communications among the school system, town government and the community. In this economy, there is no room for “us” and “them.” What benefits the educational system must also benefit the community. Great things are happening in Ledyard Schools from the classroom to the Board room and I, for one, want to make sure our community knows about them and supports them.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here