In a resounding victory for our children, our communities, and public education at least nine K-12 educators were elected to the Connecticut General Assembly yesterday, and we sent veteran Connecticut educator and 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes back to Congress.
“Having the voice of educators in the halls where decisions are made is crucial to ensuring our schools are well resourced and our students have what they need to succeed,” says CEA President Kate Dias.
The following educators were elected yesterday.
- Patrick Biggins, school counselor at Goodwin University Magnet School, reelected as State Rep for East Hartford and Manchester
- Kevin Brown, CREC social studies teacher, reelected as State Rep for Vernon
- Chad Cardillo, Meriden teacher, elected as State Rep for Berlin, Cheshire, and Meriden
- Bill Heughlins, North Stonington social studies teacher, elected as State Rep for Ledyard, North Stonington, and Stonington
- Cinzia Lettieri, Hamden elementary school teacher, elected as State Rep for Clinton, Killingworth, and Westbrook
- Nick Menapace, New London social studies teacher, reelected as State Rep for East Lyme, Montville, and Salem
- Ron Napoli, Waterbury teacher, reelected as State Rep for Waterbury
- Angie Parkinson, Colchester teacher, elected as State Rep for East Hartford
- Chris Poulos, Joel Barlow Spanish teacher, reelected as State Rep for Southington
In addition to the K-12 educators, many other pro-public education candidates were elected last night—including at least 89 out of the 94 candidates who made CEA’s Honor Roll and all endorsed candidates.
“We look forward to working with these education supporters to guarantee Connecticut students receive the very best education possible,” Dias says. “Together we can ensure important investments in our underresourced schools, address the teacher shortage, stand up for educators’ rights, and reject voucher schemes.”
Voters, including tens of thousands of CEA members, turned out at the polls yesterday in droves to elect candidates who prioritize public schools and the needs of working families.
“I am thankful to all our CEA members who turned out to vote and am especially proud of those who took the time to knock on neighbors’ doors, make phone calls, and advocate in support of candidates who stand up for our children,” Dias says. “This election shows what we can accomplish when educators, families, and communities come together. Let’s build on that momentum to make meaningful progress for our students and schools.”
